physical

views updated May 18 2018

phys·i·cal / ˈfizikəl/ • adj. 1. of or relating to the body as opposed to the mind: a whole range of physical and mental challenges. ∎  involving bodily contact or activity: verbal or physical abuse football and other physical games. ∎  sexual: a physical relationship.2. of or relating to things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind; tangible or concrete: pleasant physical environments physical assets such as houses or cars. ∎  of or relating to physics or the operation of natural forces generally: physical laws.• n. (also physical examination) a medical examination to determine a person's bodily fitness.PHRASES: get physical inf. become aggressive or violent. ∎  become sexually intimate with someone.DERIVATIVES: phys·i·cal·i·ty / ˌfiziˈkalitē/ n.phys·i·cal·ly / -ik(ə)lē/ adv.phys·i·cal·ness n.

physical

views updated Jun 11 2018

physical (fiz-ikăl) adj. (in medicine) relating to the body rather than to the mind. p. sign a sign that a doctor can detect when examining a patient, such as abnormal dilation of the pupils or the absence of a knee-jerk reflex.

physical

views updated Jun 11 2018

physical Actual, or involving actual entities, as opposed to logical or conceptual.

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