practical effect

[ prak-ti-kuhl i-fekt ]

noun

, Movies, Television.

1. Usually practical effects. a special effect that is created live on the set of a film, using real-world objects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of practical effect¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

The law will have little practical effect, since Los Angeles already draws a line between city officials and immigration enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

The second distinction was in the practical effect of the proposals: California’s measure would have banned mandatory work for prisoners; but Nevada’s ban is largely symbolic, leaving it up to the courts to decide whether it will mean any changes to prison labor.

From Los Angeles Times

“For the places where we hold that the states likely may not prohibit the carry of firearms, the practical effect of our ruling is merely that private-property owners may choose to allow the carry of firearms,” Circuit Judge Susan P. Graber wrote for the panel.

From Los Angeles Times

And even if universities can agree that it is logistically possible to divest from Israel, some question whether boycotts have a practical effect.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement, the university noted that a censure vote had no practical effect.

From New York Times