physical

¹phys·i·cal

adjective \ˈfi-zi-kəl\

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

Examples of PHYSICAL

1. The program is designed to address both physical and emotional health.
2. No physical contact with other players is allowed in the game.
3. He has an unusual physical appearance.
4. There was no physical evidence of the crime.
5. Their relationship was purely physical.

Origin of PHYSICAL

Middle English phisicale medical, from Medieval Latin physicalis, from Latin physica

First Known Use: 1580

Related to PHYSICAL

Synonyms

animal, bodily, carnal, corporal, corporeal, fleshly, material, somatic

Antonyms

nonmaterial, nonphysical

Related Words

anatomic (or anatomical), physiological (or physiologic); sensual, sensuous; hand-to-hand

Near Antonyms

cerebral, inner, intellectual, mental, psychological (also psychologic); bodiless, immaterial, incorporeal, insubstantial, spiritual; ethereal, metaphysical, psychic (also psychical)

See Synonym Discussion at material

Rhymes with PHYSICAL

quizzical

²physical

noun

Definition of PHYSICAL

: physical examination

First Known Use of PHYSICAL

1934