practical effect

American  

[prak-ti-kuhl i-fekt] / ˈpræk tɪ kəl ɪˈfɛkt /

noun

Movies, Television.

1. Usually practical effects a special effect that is created live on the set of a film, using real-world objects.

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Etymology

Origin of practical effect

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

It’s unclear what practical effect the settlement might have.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

In a statement, the university noted that a censure vote had no practical effect.

From New York Times • May 20, 2024

While moves targeting electric vehicles are likely to have minimal practical effect, the business world is waiting to see if Europe will take similar steps, said Natasha Ebtehadj of Artemis Investment Management.

From BBC • May 14, 2024

Even if the plaintiffs eventually succeed, the practical effect of the religious exemption is yet to be determined.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2024

He gave practical effect to these views in the conduct of his own office, which was as totally unlike the regulation architect's office, as life is unlike clockwork.

From Garden-Craft Old and New by Sedding, John D.