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

• physically adverb
• physicalness noun
• 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

"Until now, no one has ever managed to perform such calculations under these correct physical conditions," says the study's lead author, Yufeng Lin.

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Their Health Education and Learning High School, which opened at an existing Houston school last year, lets students choose career paths such as medical imaging, physical therapy and pharmacy technician roles.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their physical recuperation is only part of the story.

Read more on BBC

As a result, women and children bear a disproportionate share of the consequences, including physical injuries, emotional distress, economic strain, and disruptions to schooling and family life.

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If future research establishes that the associations observed in the current study are causal, policies and interventions that support physical, psychological, emotional, social, and self-rated wellness might help older adults to regain optimal well-being.

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Related Words

• environmental 
• natural 
• real 
• substantial