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adj. 1. a. Of or relating to the body. See Synonyms at bodily. b. Having a physiological basis or origin: a physical craving for an addictive drug. c. Involving sexual interest or activity: a physical attraction; physical intimacy. 2. a. Involving or characterized by vigorous or forceful bodily activity: physical aggression; a fast and physical dance performance. b. Slang Involving or characterized by violence: "A real cop would get physical" (TV Guide). 3. Of or relating to material things: a wall that formed a physical barrier; the physical environment. 4. Of or relating to matter and energy or the sciences dealing with them, especially physics. n. A physical examination. [Middle English phisical, medical, from Medieval Latin physicālis, from Latin physica, physics; see PHYSICS.] phys′i·cali·ty (-kălĭ-tē) n. physi·cal·ly adv. |
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