[graph.ic] also graph.i.cal adj [L graphicus, fr. Gk graphikos, fr. graphein] (1637) 1: formed by writing, drawing, or engraving
2. usu graphic a: marked by clear lifelike or vividly realistic description b: vividly or plainly shown or described "a ~ example of waste" "a ~ sex scene" 3 a: of or relating to the pictorial arts; also: pictorial b: of, relating to, or involving such reproductive methods as those of engraving, etching, lithography, photography, serigraphy, and woodcut c: of or relating to the art of printing d: relating or according to graphics
4. usu graphical: of, relating to, or represented by a graph
5: of or relating to the written or printed word or the symbols or devices used in writing or printing to represent sound or convey meaning -- graph.i.cal.ly adv -- graph.ic.ness n syn graphic, vivid, picturesque mean giving a clear visual impression in words. graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture "a graphic account of combat". vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something "a vivid re-creation of an exciting event". picturesque suggests the presentation of a striking or effective picture composed of features notable for their distinctness and charm "a picturesque account of his travels".
[2]graphic n (1944) 1 a: a product of graphic art b pl: the graphic media
2. a: a graphic representation (as a picture, map, or graph) used esp. for illustration b pl but sing or pl in constr: the art or science of drawing a representation of an object on a two-dimensional surface according to mathematical rules of projection 3 pl but sing or pl in constr: the process whereby a computer displays graphics on a CRT and an operator can manipulate them (as with a light pen)
4: a printed message superimposed on a television picture