physical

Main Entry:: ¹phys·i·cal
Pronunciation:: \ˈfi-zi-kəl\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English phisicale medical, from Medieval Latin physicalis, from Latin physica
Date:: 1580

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 physics2 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 <labor, in the physical world, is…employed in putting objects in motion — J. S. Mill>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>

synonyms see material

— phys·i·cal·ly

\-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— phys·i·cal·ness

\-kəl-nəs\ noun

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