topical Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite pertaining to the surface of a body part
    • a drug for topical (or local) application
    • a topical anesthesia
  2. adjective of or relating to or arranged by topics
    • a detailed record on both a chronological and a topical basis
  3. adjective satellite of interest at the present time
    • a topical reference
    • a topical and timely study of civil liberty

WordNet

Top"ic*al adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. topique, LL. topicus, Gr. . See Topic, n.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a place; limited; logical application; as, a topical remedy; a topical claim or privilege.
  2. (Rhet. & logic) Pertaining to, or consisting of, a topic or topics; according to topics.
  3. Resembling a topic, or general maxim; hence, not demonstrative, but merely probable, as an argument.
    Evidences of fact can be no more than topical and probable. Sir M. Hale.

Webster 1913