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 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>

synonyms see material

— phys·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— phys·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun