principal
UK: ˈprɪnsəpəl | US: ˈprɪnsəpəl
n. 1. The head of a school or organization.
n. 2. A sum of money lent or invested, excluding interest.
adj. 1. Most important; primary.
Derived from Latin principalis ("first in rank"), from princeps ("leader," literally "first-taker"). The root prin- (from primus, "first") combines with -cip- (from capere, "to take"), reflecting the idea of a leader who "takes the first position." Over time, the term expanded to denote financial principal (the "primary" sum) and general importance.
The principal announced new school policies.
She repaid the loan but kept the principal intact.
His principal concern was student safety.
The principal actor delivered a powerful performance.
Invest wisely to grow your principal over time.