physical Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
    • physical exercise
    • physical suffering
    • was sloppy about everything but her physical appearance
  2. adjective relating to the sciences dealing with matter and energy; especially physics
    • physical sciences
    • physical laws
  3. adjective satellite having substance or material existence; perceptible to the senses
    • a physical manifestation
    • surrounded by tangible objects
  4. adjective satellite according with material things or natural laws (other than those peculiar to living matter)
    • a reflex response to physical stimuli
  5. adjective satellite characterized by energetic bodily activity
    • a very physical dance performance
  6. adjective satellite impelled by physical force especially against resistance
    strong-arm; forcible.
    • forcible entry
    • a real cop would get physical
    • strong-arm tactics
  7. adjective satellite concerned with material things
    • physical properties
    • the physical characteristics of the earth
    • the physical size of a computer

WordNet

Phys"ic*al adjective
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to nature (as including all created existences); in accordance with the laws of nature; also, of or relating to natural or material things, or to the bodily structure, as opposed to things mental, moral, spiritual, or imaginary; material; natural; as, armies and navies are the physical force of a nation; the body is the physical part of man.
    Labor, in the physical world, is . . . employed in putting objects in motion. J. S. Mill.
    A society sunk in ignorance, and ruled by mere physical force. Macaulay.
  2. Of or pertaining to physics, or natural philosophy; treating of, or relating to, the causes and connections of natural phenomena; as, physical science; physical laws. "Physical philosophy." Pope.
  3. Perceptible through a bodily or material organization; cognizable by the senses; external; as, the physical, opposed to chemical, characters of a mineral.
  4. Of or pertaining to physic, or the art of medicine; medicinal; curative; healing; also, cathartic; purgative. Obs. "Physical herbs." Sir T. North.
    Is Brutus sick? and is it physical To walk unbraced, and suck up the humors Of the dank morning? Shak.

Webster 1913