Effectual \Ef*fec"tu*al\ (?; 135), a. [See Effect, n.]

Producing, or having adequate power or force to produce, an intended effect; adequate; efficient; operative; decisive. --Shak.

Effectual steps for the suppression of the rebellion. --Macaulay.

Effectual calling (Theol.), a doctrine concerning the work of the Holy Spirit in producing conviction of sin and acceptance of salvation by Christ, -- one of the five points of Calvinism. See Calvinism.

Syn: Effectual, Efficacious, Effective.

Usage: An efficacious remedy is had recourse to, and proves effective if it does decided good, effectual if it does all the good desired. --C. J. Smith.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)