ENGLISH
REFERENCE

portal

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɔɹtəɫ// UK //pˈɔːtəl// por·tal

n. a large, grand entrance or doorway to a building. It can also mean a website that acts as a main starting point for finding information on the internet.

n. a grand or imposing entrance to a building, often highly decorated. In computing, it refers to a website or service that provides a central point of access to diverse information and tools.


SIMPLE

The university's main portal is made of heavy oak and stone.

CONTEXTUAL

Students must log in to the student portal to check their final grades and register for next semester's classes.

COMPLEX

The cathedral's western portal features intricate stone carvings depicting historical scenes, serving as both a physical entrance and a symbolic transition into a sacred space.

Origin

From Middle English portal, porttol, from Old French portal and Medieval Latin portāle, from porta.

Usage

In architectural contexts, it specifically implies a large or ceremonial entrance rather than a standard door.

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