topical

American  

[top-i-kuhl] / ˈtɒp ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. relating to or dealing with matters of current or local interest.

   a topical reference.

2. relating to the subject of a discourse, composition, or the like.

3. relating to or in a particular place; local.

   The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day reflect topical weather, climate, or water-related issues.

4. Medicine/Medical. of, relating to, or applied externally to a particular part of the body; local.

   a topical anesthetic.

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noun

1. Philately. any of a collection of different stamps treating the same subject.

topical British  

/ ˈtɒpɪkəl, ˌtɒpɪˈkælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting current affairs

2. relating to a particular place; local

3. of or relating to a topic or topics

4. (of a drug, ointment, etc) for application to the body surface; local

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Other Word Forms

• topicality noun
• topically adverb

Etymology

Origin of topical

First recorded in 1580–90; from Greek topik(ós) “local, pertaining to commonplaces” ( topo-, -ic ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

"Using sunscreen to protect against UV damage, regular use of a topical retinol/retinoid, and avoiding smoking can all help preserve collagen and prevent its breakdown."

From Science Daily

She said the "majority of people" could get rid of scabies with topical over-the-counter treatment.

From BBC

At the end of September, Oklo confirmed that the NRC had accepted its principal design criteria topical report for review under an accelerated timeline.

From Barron's

At the end of September, Oklo confirmed that the NRC had accepted its principal design criteria topical report for review under an accelerated timeline.

From Barron's

At the end of September, Oklo confirmed that the NRC had accepted its principal design criteria topical report for review under an accelerated timeline.

From Barron's

Related Words

• newsworthy