Physical Definition & Meaning

American

British

Idioms

Related Words

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms physical American [fiz-i-kuhl] / ˈfɪz ɪ kəl /

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 British / 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

1. short for physical examination

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 physical Idioms

1. see get physical.

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• antiphysical adjective
• antiphysically adverb
• antiphysicalness noun
• nonphysical adjective
• nonphysically adverb
• physically adverb
• physicalness noun
• quasi-physical adjective
• quasi-physically adverb
• transphysical adjective
• transphysically adverb
• unphysical adjective
• unphysically adverb

Etymology

Origin of physical

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

By adding a grain transport component, the researchers could trace the journeys of icy particles and reconstruct the physical and chemical history of the material that formed Europa, Ganymede, Callisto and Io.

From Science Daily

"The game is getting faster and faster. It's really important to make sure that whoever is ready for Sarina is matching the physical capabilities of the senior squad," said Smith on Friday.

From BBC

Investors should proceed as if regional energy supply disruptions will definitely occur, even if the physical damage initially seems limited.

From Barron's

Rather than completing division in a single cycle, the cell achieves it step by step through alternating physical states of the cytoplasm.

From Science Daily

Coco 2 can adapt more quickly to new environments and physical obstacles, the company said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• environmental
• natural
• real
• substantial

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.