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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | Latin mortalis, from mors 'death' |
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mor‧tal1
1 not able to live for ever [≠ immortal]: 
Her father's death reminded her that she was mortal.
Her father's death reminded her that she was mortal.2
mortal blow/danger/wound etc
a) something very serious, that may cause the end of something : The computer has dealt a mortal blow to traditional printing methods. Our health service is in mortal danger.
The computer has dealt a mortal blow to traditional printing methods.Our health service is in mortal danger.b) something that causes death or may cause death [↪ lethal]: Near the end of the battle, he received a mortal wound.
Near the end of the battle, he received a mortal wound.3 an enemy that you hate very much and will always hate : He glared at Claudia as if she were his mortal enemy.
mortal enemy/foe
He glared at Claudia as if she were his mortal enemy.5 someone's body, after they have died : the churchyard where his mortal remains lie (=where his body is buried)
somebody's mortal remains
formalthe churchyard where his mortal remains lie (=where his body is buried)6 literary human - used especially when comparing humans with gods, spirits etc : Both gods and mortal men found her captivating.
Both gods and mortal men found her captivating.