prodigal definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Translations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

See pronunciation key

Search for "prodigal" in all of MSN Encarta

E-mail this entry

Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces

Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

prodigal

prod·i·gal [ próddig'l ]

adjective

Definition:

1. extravagantly wasteful: spendthrift or extravagant to a degree bordering on recklessness

2. producing generous amounts: giving or producing something in large amounts

3. wasting parental money: spending parental money wastefully, but returning home to a warm welcome ( literary )

noun (plural prod·i·gals)

Definition:

spendthrift: somebody who spends money, especially money from his or her parents, wastefully

[Early 16th century. Via French< late Latin prodigalis< Latin prodigus "wasteful" < prodigere "drive away, squander" < agere "to drive"]

prod·i·gal·i·ty [ pròddi gállətee ] noun

prod·i·gal·ly [ próddigəlee ] adverb

Also on Encarta

•	Important Notice: MSN Encarta to be discontinued. Learn more.

•	10 tips for building your English vocabulary

•	Alternatives to the M.B.A.

•	GPS for students

•	Making the right college choice

•	Presidential Myths Quiz

•

Coffee break: Recharge your brain

Our Partners

•	ApplyWise Online College Admissions Counseling

•	The Princeton Review

•

Tutor.com: Live Help When You Get Stuck

Also on MSN

•	Peek into the world of parasites on Animal Planet

•	Mom's Homeroom: Learn ways to help your kid succeed in school

•	MSN Shopping: Best books for the season

•	MSN Careers: Nail that job interview

•

Today's news on MSNBC


Shopping