[usu.al] adj [ME, fr. LL usualis, fr. L usus use] (14c) 1: accordant with usage, custom, or habit: normal
2: commonly or ordinarily used "followed his ~ route"
3: found in ordinary practice or in the ordinary course of events: ordinary -- usu.al.ly adv -- usu.al.ness n -- as usual : in the accustomed or habitual way "as usual they were late" syn usual, customary, habitual, wonted, accustomed mean familiar through frequent or regular repetition. usual stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness "my usual order for lunch". customary applies to what accords with the practices, conventions, or usages of an individual or community "the customary waiting period before the application is approved". habitual suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition "an habitual morning routine". wonted stresses habituation but usu. applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated "his wonted determination". accustomed is less emphatic than wonted or habitual in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom "accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty".
[2]usual n (1589): something usual