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REFERENCE

physical

adj. · n.
US //ˈfɪzɪkəɫ// UK //fˈɪzɪkəl// phys·i·cal
  1. 1 the human body (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Medicine

    relating to the human body rather than the mind or feelings.

    relating to the human body as opposed to the mind, spirit, or emotions.

    Example

    Physical exercise is great for your heart and helps reduce stress.

    Example

    The athlete's physical condition was peak, yet the coach remained concerned about his mental preparation for the final match.
  2. 2 real objects (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    relating to things you can see and touch; real or material.

    relating to things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind; tangible or material.

    Example

    I prefer reading physical books because I like the feel of the paper.

    Example

    The digital archive is impressive, but researchers still need access to the physical documents to verify the original ink and paper quality.
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  1. 3 laws of nature (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    relating to the laws of nature and the world around us.

    relating to the natural world or the laws of physics.

    Example

    The physical world is governed by laws like gravity.

    Example

    The physical properties of the new alloy make it ideal for use in high-temperature aerospace environments.
  2. 4 medical check-up (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English Medicine

    a medical examination by a doctor to check your health.

    a thorough medical examination to determine a person's state of health.

    Example

    The company requires all new employees to have a physical before they start.

    Example

    During his annual physical, the doctor noted a significant improvement in his cardiovascular health compared to the previous year.
Origin

Borrowed from Late Latin physicālis, from Latin physica (“study of nature”), from Ancient Greek φυσική (phusikḗ), feminine singular of φυσικός (phusikós, “natural; physical”), from φύσις (phúsis, “origin, birth; nature, quality; form, shape; type, kind”), from φῠ́ω (phŭ́ō, “grow”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰuH- (“to appear, become, rise up”).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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