physical

[ fiz-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the body:

   physical exercise.

   Synonyms: fleshly, somatic

2. of or relating to that which is material:

   the physical universe; the physical sciences.

   Synonyms: palpable, tangible

3. noting or pertaining to the properties of matter and energy other than those peculiar to living matter.
4. pertaining to the physical sciences, especially physics. physics.
5. carnal; sexual:

   a physical attraction.

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

   a physical person.

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

   Football is a physical sport.

noun

1. physical examination.

physical

/ ˈfɪzɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind or spirit
2. of, relating to, or resembling material things or nature

   the physical universe

3. involving or requiring bodily contact

   rugby is a physical sport

4. of or concerned with matter and energy
5. of or relating to physics
6. perceptible to the senses; apparent

   a physical manifestation

noun

1. short for physical examination

Derived Forms

• ˈphysicalness, noun
• ˈphysically, adverb

Other Words From

• physi·cal·ly adverb
• physi·cal·ness noun
• anti·physi·cal adjective
• anti·physi·cal·ly adverb
• anti·physi·cal·ness noun
• non·physi·cal adjective
• non·physi·cal·ly adverb
• quasi-physi·cal adjective
• quasi-physi·cal·ly adverb
• trans·physi·cal adjective
• trans·physi·cal·ly adverb
• un·physi·cal adjective
• un·physi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of physical¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin physicālis “concerning medicine.” See physic, -al ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see get physical .

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

That mRNA is read and translated at a cell's ribosome to create more proteins, important for the chemical and physical function of every organism.

From Science Daily

For a conviction on a charge of manslaughter, the jury must be sure that the defendants intended to cause “some physical harm”, he added.

From BBC

Quantum spin is very different from the physical spin on a baseball.

From Science Daily

Beyond the physical connections of these brain areas, it was also important to consider the types of messages they might send each other.

From Science Daily

The models revealed a unique internal construction of two opposing sound chambers that create physical air turbulence as the source of the screeching sound.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• environmental
• natural
• real
• substantial