[prac.ti.cal] adj [ME, fr. LL practicus, fr. Gk praktikos, fr. prassein to pass over, fare, do; akin to Gk peran to pass through--more at fare] (15c) 1 a: of, relating to, or manifested in practice or action: not theoretical or ideal "a ~ question" "for all ~ purposes" b: being such in practice or effect: virtual "a ~ failure"
2: actively engaged in some course of action or occupation "a ~ farmer"
3: capable of being put to use or account: useful "he had a ~ knowledge of French"
4. a: disposed to action as opposed to speculation or abstraction b (1): qualified by practice or practical training "a good ~ mechanic" (2): designed to supplement theoretical training by experience
5: concerned with voluntary action and ethical decisions "~ reason" -- prac.ti.cal.i.ty n -- prac.ti.cal.ness n
[2]practical n (1925): an examination requiring demonstration of some practical skill "a zoology ~"