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graphic

[graf-ik]
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adjective Also graph·i·cal.
  1. giving a clear and effective picture; vivid: a graphic account of an earthquake.
  2. pertaining to the use of diagrams, graphs, mathematical curves, or the like; diagrammatic.
  3. of, relating to, or expressed by writing: graphic symbols.
  4. written, inscribed, or drawn.
  5. depicted in a realistic or vivid manner: graphic sex and violence.
  6. containing graphic descriptions: a graphic movie.
  7. Geology. (of a rock) having a texture formed by the intergrowth of certain minerals so as to resemble written characters.
  8. Mathematics. pertaining to the determination of values, solution of problems, etc., by direct measurement on diagrams instead of by ordinary calculations.
  9. of or relating to the graphic arts.
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noun
  1. a product of the graphic arts, as a drawing or print.
  2. a computer-generated image.
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Origin of graphic

1630–40; < Latin graphicus of painting or drawing < Greek graphikós able to draw or paint, equivalent to gráph(ein) to draw, write + -ikos -ic; cognate with carve
Related formsgraph·i·cal·ly, adverbgraph·i·cal·ness, graph·ic·ness, nounnon·graph·ic, adjectivenon·graph·i·cal, adjectivenon·graph·i·cal·ly, adverbnon·graph·i·cal·ness, nounun·graph·ic, adjectiveun·graph·i·cal, adjectiveun·graph·i·cal·ly, adverb

Synonyms

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1. striking, telling; detailed. See picturesque.

-graphic

  1. a combination of -graph and -ic, forming adjectives corresponding to nouns ending in -graph: telegraphic.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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British Dictionary definitions for graphic

graphic

graphical

adjective
  1. vividly or clearly describeda graphic account of the disaster
  2. sexually explicit
  3. of or relating to writing or other inscribed representationsgraphic symbols
  4. maths using, relating to, or determined by a grapha graphic representation of the figures
  5. of or relating to the graphic arts
  6. geology having or denoting a texture formed by intergrowth of the crystals to resemble writinggraphic granite
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Derived Formsgraphically or graphicly, adverbgraphicalness or graphicness, noun

Word Origin

C17: from Latin graphicus, from Greek graphikos, from graphein to write; see carve
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

Word Origin and History for graphic

adj.

"vivid," 1570s (implied in graphically), from Latin graphicus "picturesque," from Greek graphikos "of or for writing, belonging to drawing, picturesque," from graphe "writing, drawing," from graphein "to write" (see -graphy). Meaning "of or pertaining to drawing" is from 1756. Related: Graphically. Graphic design is attested by 1956. Graphic equalizer is from 1969.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper