physical

[fiz-i-kuhl]

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

/ 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

noun

1. short for physical examination

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of physical¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see get physical.

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

While physical interception is required in a combat zone, it may not be the best approach when dealing with drones hovering over a crowded stadium or a nuclear power plant, said Strobel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Studies show that in times of stress, our bodies crave comfort — calorie-dense, nostalgic meals that promise both physical and psychological relief.

Read more on Salon

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military would begin placing physical markers to identify the yellow line.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But the party faces its own electoral divide and it has a physical form.

Read more on BBC

Such strong cultural affinity for physical gold, particularly jewellery, means the appetite for the noble metal is unlikely to be dented in the long term, despite the short-term moderation, say experts.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• environmental 
• natural 
• real 
• substantial