/ strəˈtiːdʒɪk; NAmE / (also less frequent stra·tegic·al / -dʒɪkl; NAmE /) adjective [ usually before noun ]
1.
done as part of a plan that is meant to achieve a particular purpose or to gain an advantage :
strategic planning
a strategic decision to sell off part of the business
Cameras were set up at strategic points (= in places where they would be most effective) along the route.
2.
connected with getting an advantage in a war or other military situation :
Malta was of vital strategic importance during the war.
3.
( of weapons, especially nuclear weapons ) intended to be fired at an enemy's country rather than used in a battle
—compare tactical (3)
► stra·tegic·al·ly / -kli; NAmE / adverb :
a strategically placed microphone
a strategically important target
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WORD ORIGIN
early 19th cent.: from French stratégique , from Greek stratēgikos , from stratēgos , from stratos army + agein to lead.