1. adjective /ˈprɪnsɪpəl,ˈprɪnsəpəl/
Primary; most important in a group.
Smith is the principal architect of this design.
2. noun /ˈprɪnsɪpəl,ˈprɪnsəpəl/
a) The money originally invested or loaned, on which basis interest and returns are calculated
A portion of your mortgage payment goes to reduce the principal, and the rest covers interest.
b) The principal administrator of a school
Now youre in trouble! Youre going to see the principal for that.
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