IPA: /prəˈtɛktərəl/
KK: /prəˈtɛktərəl/
Relating to someone or something that protects or defends.
The protectoral role of the guardian was crucial in ensuring the safety of the community.
Protectoral is formed from "protector" (from Latin "protegere", meaning to cover or protect) and the suffix "-al" (meaning relating to). The word "protectoral" refers to something that is related to or serves the purpose of protection.
Think of someone who "covers" or "protects" (from "protegere") and how the suffix "-al" indicates a relationship. This helps you remember that "protectoral" relates to the act of protection.