Pronunciation: 'pOr-t&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin portale city gate, porch, from neuter of portalis of a gate, from Latin porta gate
1 : DOOR, ENTRANCE; especially : a grand or imposing one
2: the whole architectural composition surrounding and including the doorways and porches of a [building]
3 : the approach or entrance to a bridge or tunnel