natural

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adjective nat·u·ral \ˈna-chə-rəl, ˈnach-rəl\

Definition of natural

1 : based on an inherent sense of right and wrong natural justice
2a : being in accordance with or determined by nature natural impulsesb : having or constituting a classification based on features existing in nature
3a (1) : begotten as distinguished from adopted their natural son; also : legitimate (2) : being a relation by actual consanguinity as distinguished from adoption natural parentsb : illegitimate a natural child
4 : having an essential relation with someone or something : following from the nature of the one in question his guilt is a natural deduction from the evidence
5 : implanted or being as if implanted by nature : seemingly inborn a natural talent for art
6 : of or relating to nature as an object of study and research natural observations
7 : having a specified character by nature a natural athlete a natural leader
8a : occurring in conformity with the ordinary course of nature : not marvelous or supernatural natural causes died a natural deathb : formulated by human reason alone rather than revelation natural religion natural rightsc : having a normal or usual character events followed their natural course
9 : possessing or exhibiting the higher qualities (such as kindliness and affection) of human nature a noble … brother … ever most kind and natural — William Shakespeare
10a : growing without human care; also : not cultivated natural prairie unbroken by the plowb : existing in or produced by nature : not artificial natural turf natural curiositiesc : relating to or being natural food
11a : being in a state of nature without spiritual enlightenment : unregenerate natural manb : living in or as if in a state of nature untouched by the influences of civilization and society
12a : having a physical or real existence as contrasted with one that is spiritual, intellectual, or fictitious a corporation is a legal but not a natural personb : of, relating to, or operating in the physical as opposed to the spiritual world natural laws describe phenomena of the physical universe
13a : closely resembling an original : true to natureb : marked by easy simplicity and freedom from artificiality, affectation, or constraint Successful people are genuine and natural rather than synthetic and imitative. — Gilbert Seldesc : having a form or appearance found in nature natural hair
14a : having neither flats nor sharps the natural scale of C majorb : being neither sharp nor flat natural musical notesc : having the pitch modified by the natural sign
15 : of an off-white or beige color

naturalness

play \ˈna-chə-rəl-nəs, ˈnach-rəl\ noun

See natural defined for English-language learners

See natural defined for kids

Examples of natural in a Sentence

furniture made of natural materials
The river forms a natural boundary between the two countries.
natural foods like whole grain bread and fresh vegetables
Gray hair is one of the natural consequences of getting older.
a natural increase in the population
the natural course of the disease
It's perfectly natural to feel nervous before a test.

Origin and Etymology of natural

Middle English, from Anglo-French naturel, from Latin naturalis of nature, from natura nature

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of natural

natural, ingenuous, naive, unsophisticated, artless mean free from pretension or calculation. natural implies lacking artificiality and self-consciousness and having a spontaneousness suggesting the natural rather than the man-made world. her unaffected, natural manner ingenuous implies inability to disguise or conceal one's feelings or intentions. the ingenuous enthusiasm of children naive suggests lack of worldly wisdom often connoting credulousness and unchecked innocence. politically naive unsophisticated implies a lack of experience and training necessary for social ease and adroitness. unsophisticated adolescents artless suggests a naturalness resulting from unawareness of the effect one is producing on others. artless charm

synonyms see in addition regular

natural

noun nat·u·ral

Definition of natural

1 : one born without the usual powers of reason and understanding
2a : a sign ♮ placed on any degree of the musical staff to nullify the effect of a preceding sharp or flatb : a note or tone affected by the natural sign
3 : a result or combination that immediately wins the stake in a game: such asa : a throw of 7 or 11 on the first cast in crapsb : blackjack 5b
4a : one having natural skills, talents, or abilitiesb : something that is likely to become an immediate successc : one that is obviously suitable for a specific purpose
5 : afro

See natural defined for English-language learners

Examples of natural in a Sentence

European explorers had a tendency to view the nonwhite peoples they encountered as uncivilized naturals.

Origin and Etymology of natural

see ¹natural

First Known Use: 1533

NATURAL Defined for English Language Learners

natural

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adjective

Definition of natural for English Language Learners

: existing in nature and not made or caused by people : coming from nature
: not having any extra substances or chemicals added : not containing anything artificial
: usual or expected

natural

noun

Definition of natural for English Language Learners

: someone who is good at doing something from the first time it is done : someone who has a natural ability to do something
: someone or something that is suited for a particular job, purpose, etc.
: a musical note that is neither sharp nor flat

NATURAL Defined for Kids

natural

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adjective nat·u·ral \ˈna-chə-rəl, ˈnach-rəl\

Definition of natural for Students

1 : found in or produced by nature That's her natural hair color. a natural lake
2 : being or acting as expected : normal a natural reaction
3 : present or existing at birth : born in a person or animal natural instincts natural curiosity
4 : having qualities or skills without training or effort She's a natural jumper.
5 : occurring in the normal course of life He died of natural causes.
6 : being simple and sincere In spite of himself, M. C. warmed to Jones's easy and natural kindness … — Virginia Hamilton, M. C. Higgins
7 : lifelike The photo is very natural.
8 : not raised or lowered in musical pitch using a sharp or flat

Medical Dictionary

natural

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adjective nat·u·ral \ˈnach-(ə-)rəl\

Medical Definition of natural

1: having, constituting, or relating to a classification based on features existing in nature
2: of or relating to nature as an object of study and research
3: relating to or being natural food

Law Dictionary

natural

adjective nat·u·ral

Legal Definition of natural

1 : based on an inherent sense of right and wrong natural justice — see also natural law, natural right
2a : existing as part of or determined by nature the natural condition of the land b : being in accordance with or arising from nature especially as distinguished from operation of law — see also natural person — compare artificial c : arising from the usual course of events a natural result of the accident
3a : begotten as distinguished from adopted b : being a relation by consanguinity as distinguished from adoption natural parents
4 : illegitimate a natural child