ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pornographic

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌpɔɹnəˈɡɹæfɪk// UK //pˌɔːnəɡɹˈæfɪk// porno·graph·ic

adj. describing books, movies, or pictures that show sexual acts in a very clear and direct way. It is usually used to talk about material that people find offensive or that is meant only for sexual excitement.

adj. containing explicit descriptions or displays of sexual organs or activity intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings. Often carries a legal or moral judgment regarding the lack of serious artistic or scientific value.


SIMPLE

The store was fined for selling pornographic magazines to minors.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee debated whether the explicit scenes in the novel were pornographic or served a legitimate artistic purpose.

COMPLEX

Legal definitions of what constitutes pornographic material often hinge on the 'community standards' test, which attempts to distinguish between protected artistic expression and obscenity.

Synonyms
Origin

From pornography + -ic.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; often contrasted with 'erotic' in academic or legal discussions.

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