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¹graphic

adjective graph·ic \ˈgra-fik\

: shown or described in a very clear way

: relating to the artistic use of pictures, shapes, and words especially in books and magazines

Full Definition of GRAPHIC

a : of or relating to the pictorial arts; also : pictorial

b : of, relating to, or involving such reproductive methods as those of engraving, etching, lithography, photography, serigraphy, and woodcut

c : of or relating to the art of printing

d : relating or according to graphics

: formed by writing, drawing, or engraving

usually graphic

a : marked by clear lifelike or vividly realistic description

b : vividly or plainly shown or described <a graphic sex scene>

usually graphical : of, relating to, or represented by a graph

: of or relating to the written or printed word or the symbols or devices used in writing or printing to represent sound or convey meaning

— graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— graph·ic·ness \-fik-nəs\ noun

See graphic defined for English-language learners

See graphic defined for kids

Variants of GRAPHIC

graph·ic also graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\

Origin of GRAPHIC

Latin graphicus, from Greek graphikos, from graphein

First Known Use: 1637

Related to GRAPHIC

Synonyms: delineated, pictorial, picturesque, visual, vivid

Synonym Discussion of GRAPHIC

graphic, vivid, picturesque mean giving a clear visual impression in words. graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture <a graphic account of combat>. vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something <a vivid re-creation of an exciting event>. picturesque suggests the presentation of a striking or effective picture composed of features notable for their distinctness and charm <a picturesque account of his travels>.

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

Rhymes with GRAPHIC

maffick, sapphic, traffic

²graphic

noun

graphics : pictures or images on the screen of a computer, television, etc.

: a picture, drawing, or graph used as a decoration or to make something (such as magazine article) easier to understand

Full Definition of GRAPHIC

a : a product of graphic art

b plural : the graphic media

a : a graphic representation (as a picture, map, or graph) used especially for illustration

b : a pictorial image displayed on a computer screen <the program's graphics are impressive>

c plural but sing or plural in constr : the art or science of drawing a representation of an object on a two-dimensional surface according to mathematical rules of projection

plural but sing or plural in constr : the process whereby a computer displays graphics

: a printed message superimposed on a television picture

See graphic defined for English-language learners