[aes.thet.ic] or aes.thet.i.cal adj [G asthetisch, fr. NL aestheticus, fr. Gk aisthetikos of sense perception, fr. aisthanesthai to perceive--more at audible] (1798) 1 a: of, relating to, or dealing with aesthetics or the beautiful "~ theories" b: artistic "a work of ~ value" c: pleasing in appearance: attractive "easy-to-use keyboards, clear graphics, and other ergonomic and ~ features --Mark Mehler"
2: appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful; also: responsive to or appreciative of what is pleasurable to the senses -- aes.thet.i.cal.ly adv
[2]aesthetic n (1822) 1 pl but sing or pl in constr: a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and with the creation and appreciation of beauty
2: a particular theory or conception of beauty or art: a particular taste for or approach to what is pleasing to the senses and esp. sight "modernist ~s" "staging new ballets which reflected the ~ of the new nation --Mary Clarke & Clement Crisp" 3 pl: a pleasing appearance or effect: beauty "appreciated the ~s of the gemstones"