Definition Definition

physical - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'physical' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Physical [ a.]
- Of or pertaining to nature (as including all created existences); in accordance with the laws of nature; also, of or relating to natural or material things, or to the bodily structure, as opposed to things mental, moral, spiritual, or imaginary; material; natural; as, armies and navies are the physical force of a nation; the body is the physical part of man.
- Of or pertaining to physics, or natural philosophy; treating of, or relating to, the causes and connections of natural phenomena; as, physical science; physical laws.
- Perceptible through a bodily or material organization; cognizable by the senses; external; as, the physical, opposed to chemical, characters of a mineral.
- Of or pertaining to physic, or the art of medicine; medicinal; curative; healing; also, cathartic; purgative.

Meaning of 'physical' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . physical [ a]
Meaning (1):
- involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
Example in sentence:
  • physical exercise;
  • physical suffering;
  • was sloppy about everything but her physical appearance
Meaning (2):
- relating to the sciences dealing with matter and energy; especially physics
Example in sentence:
  • physical laws;
  • physical sciences
3 . physical [ s]
Meaning (3):
- having substance or material existence; perceptible to the senses
Example in sentence:
  • a physical manifestation;
  • surrounded by tangible objects
Meaning (4):
- impelled by physical force especially against resistance
Example in sentence:
  • a real cop would get physical;
  • forcible entry;
  • strong-arm tactics
Meaning (5):
- according with material things or natural laws (other than those peculiar to living matter)
Example in sentence:
  • a reflex response to physical stimuli
Meaning (6):
- characterized by energetic bodily activity
Example in sentence:
  • a very physical dance performance
Meaning (7):
- concerned with material things
Example in sentence:
  • physical properties;
  • the physical characteristics of the earth;
  • the physical size of a computer