physical

play

adjective phys·i·cal \ˈfi-zi-kəl\

Definition of physical

1a : of or relating to natural scienceb (1) : of or relating to physics (2) : characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics
2a : 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 Quinceyb : of or relating to material things
3a : of or relating to the body physical abuseb (1) : concerned or preoccupied with the body and its needs : carnal physical appetites (2) : sexual a physical love affair physical attractionc : characterized by especially rugged and forceful physical activity : rough a physical hockey game a physical player

physically

play \ˈfi-zi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

physicalness

play \ˈfi-zi-kəl-nəs\ noun

See physical defined for English-language learners

See physical defined for kids

Examples of physical in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology 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

physical

noun phys·i·cal

Definition of physical

: physical examination

See physical defined for English-language learners

1934

First Known Use of physical

1934

PHYSICAL Defined for English Language Learners

physical

play

adjective

Definition of physical for English Language Learners

: 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

physical

noun

Definition of physical for English Language Learners

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

PHYSICAL Defined for Kids

physical

play

adjective phys·i·cal \ˈfi-zi-kəl\

Definition of physical for Students

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

physically

adverb

Medical Dictionary

physical

play

adjective phys·i·cal \ˈfiz-i-kəl\

Medical Definition of physical

1: having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature
2a: of or relating to physicsb: characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics
3: of or relating to the body