I. ˈgra-fik adjective
also graph·i·cal -fi-kəl
Etymology: Latin graphicus, from Greek graphikos, from graphein
Date: 1637
1.
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
2. : formed by writing, drawing, or engraving
3. usually graphic
a. : marked by clear lifelike or vividly realistic description
b. : vividly or plainly shown or described
a graphic sex scene
4. usually 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 -fi-k(ə-)lē adverb
• graph·ic·ness -fik-nəs noun
Synonyms:
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
II. noun
Date: 1944
1.
a. : a product of graphic art
b. plural : the graphic media
2.
a. : a graphic representation (as a picture, map, or graph) used especially for illustration
b. : a pictorial image displayed on a computer screen
the program's graphic s are impressive
c. plural but singular or plural in construction : the art or science of drawing a representation of an object on a two-dimensional surface according to mathematical rules of projection
3. plural but singular or plural in construction : the process whereby a computer displays graphics
4. : a printed message superimposed on a television picture