I. ˈvizh(ə)wəl, -zhəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin visualis, from Latin visus sight, vision (from visus, past participle of vidēre to see) + -alis -al — more at wit
1. : of, relating to, or used in vision : serving as the instrument of seeing
the visual nerve
the visual sense
2. : attained or maintained by sight
visual impressions
visual knowledge
a language with which he had only a visual acquaintance — H.J.Laski
in the heavy growth … impossible to keep visual contact — H.D.Skidmore
3. : optical
the visual focus of a lens distinguished from the actinic focus
4. : capable of being seen : visible
visual objects
a visual equivalent for feelings which enrich experience — Michael Kitson
5. : producing mental images : vivid
his narratives are stirringly visual — John Mason Brown
6. : done or executed with the aid of direct sight and without assistance (as from instruments or radar)
visual flying
visual bombing
visual navigation
7. : of, relating to, or constituting a means of instruction (as a map, chart, model, perspective drawing, or documentary film) that appeals to the sense of sight
visual aid
visual education
visual lesson
— compare audio-visual
II. noun
( -s )
1. archaic : visual ray
2. : visualizer
3. : a roughly sketched advertising layout — compare comprehensive
4. visuals plural : the picture images as distinguished from the sounds of a motion picture film
a master film maker … knows how to keep his action taut, his visuals alive — Arthur Knight