adj.
Pronunciation: ' kla-si-k ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin classicus
Date: 1599
1 : STANDARD , CLASSIC
2 a : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals < classical civilization> b : versed in the classics <a classical scholar>
3 a : of or relating to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation b : of, relating to, or being music in the educated European tradition that includes such forms as art song, chamber music, opera, and symphony as distinguished from folk or popular music or jazz
4 a : AUTHORITATIVE , TRADITIONAL b (1) : of or relating to a form or system considered of first significance in earlier times < classical Mendelian genetics> (2) : not involving relativity, wave mechanics, or quantum theory < classical physics> c : conforming to a pattern of usage sanctioned by a body of literature rather than by everyday speech
5 : concerned with or giving instruction in the humanities, the fine arts, and the broad aspects of science <a classical curriculum>