Origin: 1350–1400; ME < L
carnālis, equiv. to
carn- (s. of
carō) flesh +
-ālis -al 1 
Related forms: car⋅nal⋅i⋅ty, car⋅nal⋅ness, car⋅nal⋅ism, noun
car⋅nal⋅ly, adverb
Synonyms:
1. bodily, lustful, lecherous, lascivious, libidinous, concupiscent. Carnal, sensual, fleshly, animal all refer to bodily rather than rational or spiritual aspects of humans. Carnal, although it may refer to the body as opposed to the spirit, often refers to sexual needs or urges: carnal cravings, attractions, satisfactions. Sensual implies a suggestion of eroticism: sensual eyes; a sensual dance; it may also refer to experience of the senses: a sensual delight. Fleshly may refer to any physical need or appetite, sex as well as hunger and thirst: the fleshly sin of gluttony; fleshly yearnings. Animal refers to sexual appetites in a censorious way only; it may also describe pleasing or admirable physical characteristics or appearance: animal lust; to move with animal grace. 2. earthly, natural.
[kahr-nl] 