physical

[fiz-i-kuh l] /ˈfɪz ɪ kəl/

adjective

of or pertaining to the body:

physical exercise.

of or pertaining to that which is material:

the physical universe; the physical sciences.

noting or pertaining to the properties of matter and energy other than those peculiar to living matter.

pertaining to the physical sciences, especially physics.

carnal; sexual:

a physical attraction.

tending to touch, hug, pat, etc.; physically demonstrative:

a physical person.

requiring, characterized by, or liking rough physical contact or strenuous physical activity:

Football is a physical sport.

noun

physical examination.

Origin

1400-50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin physicālis concerning medicine. See physic, -al¹

Related forms

physically, adverb

physicalness, noun

antiphysical, adjective

antiphysically, adverb

antiphysicalness, noun

nonphysical, adjective

nonphysically, adverb

quasi-physical, adjective

quasi-physically, adverb

transphysical, adjective

transphysically, adverb

unphysical, adjective

unphysically, adverb

Synonyms

1. somatic; fleshly. Physical, bodily, corporeal, corporal agree in pertaining to the body. Physical indicates connected with, pertaining to, the animal or human body as a material organism: physical strength, exercise. Bodily means belonging to, concerned with, the human body as distinct from the mind or spirit: bodily pain or suffering. Corporeal, a more poetic and philosophical word than bodily, refers especially to the mortal substance of which the human body is composed as opposed to spirit: this corporeal habitation. Corporal is now usually reserved for reference to whippings and other punishments inflicted on the human body. 2. tangible, palpable.

Examples from the web for physical

It's a new kind of play that makes you more aware of your body and physical well-being.
It takes control of his body and soul and by the use of physical or psychological coercion, rids him of any real freedom at all.
Yet, absent a body or any physical evidence, the situation is unlikely to change anytime soon.
More physical activity equals greater health benefits.
Both of them are found then to challenge the way we think today aboul the nature of the physical world.
Content is tailored to their physical characteristics.
Stan credits a rugged physical-conditioning program that began when he was nine years old and continues to this very day.
If not, they should be as active as their physical condition allows.
Preschool experiences develop his physical and mental abilities.
This chronic condition is accompanied by a great many physical symptoms that are in themselves alarming and even disabling.

British Dictionary definitions for physical

physical

/ˈfɪzɪkəl/

adjective

of or relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind or spirit

of, relating to, or resembling material things or nature: the physical universe

involving or requiring bodily contact: rugby is a physical sport

of or concerned with matter and energy

of or relating to physics

perceptible to the senses; apparent: a physical manifestation

noun

short for physical examination

See also physicals

Derived Forms

physically, adverb
physicalness, noun

Word Origin and History for physical

adj.

early 15c., "of or pertaining to material nature" (in medicine, opposed to surgical), from Medieval Latin physicalis "of nature, natural," from Latin physica "study of nature" (see physic). Meaning "pertaining to matter" is from 1590s; meaning "having to do with the body, corporeal" is attested from 1780. Meaning "characterized by bodily attributes or activities" is attested from 1970. Physical education first recorded 1838; abbreviated form phys ed is from 1955. Physical therapy is from 1922. Related: Physically.

"a physical examination," by 1934, from physical (adj.).

physical in Medicine

physical phys·i·cal (fĭz'ĭ-kəl)
adj.
Abbr. phys.

Of or relating to the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit.
Involving or characterized by vigorous bodily activity.
Of or relating to material things.
Of or relating to matter and energy or the sciences dealing with them, especially physics.

n.
A physical examination.

phys'i·cal'i·ty (-kāl'ĭ-tē) adj.

Slang definitions & phrases for physical

physical

adjective

Using the body, esp roughly or intimately: Vanderbilt is a lot better than last year and more physical (1970+)

Related Terms

get physical

physical in Technology

jargon
The opposite of logical in its jargon sense. Compare real, virtual, and transparent.
It is said that what you can touch and see is real; what you can see but not touch is virtual; what you can touch but not see is transparent; and what you can neither touch nor see is probably imaginary.
(2001-10-26)

Idioms and Phrases with physical

physical

see: get physical