Dictionary

1physical

adjective phys·i·cal \ˈfi-zi-kəl\

: relating to the body of a person instead of the mind

: existing in a form that you can touch or see

: involving or related to sex

Full Definition of PHYSICAL

1
a :  of or relating to natural science
b (1) :  of or relating to physics
(2) :  characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics
2
a :  having material existence :  perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature <everything physical is measurable by weight, motion, and resistance — Thomas De Quincey>
b :  of or relating to material things
3
a :  of or relating to the body <physical abuse>
b (1) :  concerned or preoccupied with the body and its needs :  carnal <physical appetites>
(2) :  sexual <a physical love affair> <physical attraction>
c :  characterized by especially rugged and forceful physical activity :  rough <a physical hockey game> <a physical player>
phys·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
phys·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of PHYSICAL

Middle English phisicale medical, from Medieval Latin physicalis, from Latin physica
First Known Use: 1580

Synonym Discussion of PHYSICAL

material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality. material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping <material values>. physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary <the physical benefits of exercise>. corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force <artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings>. phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction <scientists concerned with the phenomenal world>. sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses <the earth's rotation is not sensible to us>. objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it <no objective evidence of damage>.

Rhymes with PHYSICAL

2physical

noun

: a medical examination to see if a person's body is healthy

Full Definition of PHYSICAL

First Known Use of PHYSICAL

1934
PHYSICAL Defined for Kids

physical

adjective phys·i·cal \ˈfi-zi-kəl\

Definition of PHYSICAL for Kids

1
:  of the body :  bodily <A stallion with a wonderful physical perfection … — Walter Farley, The Black Stallion>
2
:  existing in a form that can be touched or seen <physical objects>
3
:  of or relating to physics
phys·i·cal·ly adverb
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears