adj. & n.
--adj.
1. of or concerned with practice or use rather than theory.
2 suited to use or action; designed mainly to fulfil a function (practical shoes).
3 (of a person) inclined to action rather than speculation; able to make things function well.
4 a that is such in effect though not nominally (for all practical purposes). b virtual (in practical control).
5 feasible; concerned with what is actually possible (practical politics).
--n. a practical examination or lesson.
Phrases and idioms:
practical joke a humorous trick played on a person. practical joker a person who plays practical jokes.
Derivatives:
practicality n. (pl. -ies). practicalness n.
Etymology: earlier practic f. obs. F practique or LL practicus f. Gk praktikos f. prasso do, act