physical
adj
1 of or relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind or spirit
2 of, relating to, or resembling material things or nature
the physical universe
3 involving or requiring bodily contact
rugby is a physical sport
4 of or concerned with matter and energy
5 of or relating to physics
6 perceptible to the senses; apparent
a physical manifestation
n
7 short for →
physical examination (See also)
→
physicals ♦
physically adv ♦
physicalness n
National Physical Laboratory
n a UK establishment founded in 1900 at Teddington to carry out research in physics and monitor standards of measurement, (Abbrev.)
NPL
physical anthropology
n the branch of anthropology dealing with the genetic aspect of human development and its physical variations
physical chemistry
n the branch of chemistry concerned with the way in which the physical properties of substances depend on and influence their chemical structure, properties, and reactions
physical education
n training and practice in sports, gymnastics, etc., as in schools and colleges, (Abbrev.)
PE
physical examination
n (Med) the process of examining the body by means of sight, touch, percussion, or auscultation to diagnose disease or verify fitness
physical geography
n the branch of geography that deals with the natural features of the earth's surface
physical handicap
n loss of or failure to develop a specific bodily function or functions, whether of movement, sensation, coordination, or speech, but excluding mental impairments or disabilities
♦
physically handicapped adj
physical jerks
pl n (Brit)
informal See →
jerk 1 →
6
physical medicine
n the branch of medicine devoted to the management of physical disabilities, as resulting from rheumatic disease, asthma, poliomyelitis, etc.
See also →
rehabilitation →
2
physical science
n any of the sciences concerned with nonliving matter, energy, and the physical properties of the universe, such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology
Compare →
life science
physical therapy
n another term for →
physiotherapy