— physically , adv. — physicalness , n.
/fiz"i keuhl/ , adj.
1. of or pertaining to the body: physical exercise.
2. of or pertaining to that which is material: the physical universe; the physical sciences.
3. noting or pertaining to the properties of matter and energy other than those peculiar to living matter.
4. pertaining to the physical sciences, esp. physics.
5. carnal; sexual: a physical attraction.
6. tending to touch, hug, pat, etc.; physically demonstrative: a physical person.
7. requiring, characterized by, or liking rough physical contact or strenuous physical activity: Football is a physical sport.
n.
8. See physical examination .
[ 1400-50; late ME physicalis concerning medicine. See PHYSIC, -AL 1 ]
Syn. 1. somatic; fleshly. PHYSICAL, BODILY, CORPOREAL, CORPORAL agree in pertaining to the body. PHYSICAL indicates connected with, pertaining to, the animal or human body as a material organism: physical strength, exercise. BODILY means belonging to, concerned with, the human body as distinct from the mind or spirit: bodily pain or suffering. CORPOREAL, a more poetic and philosophical word than BODILY, refers esp. to the mortal substance of which the human body is composed as opposed to spirit: this corporeal habitation. CORPORAL is now usually reserved for reference to whippings and other punishments inflicted on the human body. 2. tangible, palpable.