Origin: Latin suffix -al
Physical has 10 different meanings across 1 category:
Physical examination.
"The doctor asked me to remove my coat so he could perform a physical examination of my chest and lungs."
"After the long hike, she felt her physical strength waning."
Usage: Use "physical" as a noun only when referring to a routine medical exam conducted by a doctor or nurse. It is incorrect to use this word to mean a bodily touch or an object that has physical properties.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
"physical exercise"
"physical suffering"
"was sloppy about everything but her physical appearance"
relating to the sciences dealing with matter and energy; especially physics
"physical sciences"
"physical laws"
having substance or material existence; perceptible to the senses
"a physical manifestation"
"surrounded by tangible objects"
according with material things or natural laws (other than those peculiar to living matter)
"a reflex response to physical stimuli"
impelled by physical force especially against resistance
"forcible entry"
"a real cop would get physical"
"strong-arm tactics"
concerned with material things
"physical properties"
"the physical characteristics of the earth"
"the physical size of a computer"
Of medicine.
"The doctor advised that he stick to physical therapy rather than medication for his back pain."
Pertaining to the field of medicine; medical.
"The doctor explained that his physical showed he was in excellent health before starting the new job."
In plain English: Physical means something that involves your body or can be touched rather than existing only in your mind.
"The new gym offers both physical training and mental wellness classes."
Usage: Use "physical" to describe matter or the body rather than abstract concepts like emotions or ideas. Avoid using it to mean "medical," as that specific sense belongs to the word "physiological" or the noun phrase "physical therapy."
The word physical comes from Late Latin and originally referred to the study of nature. It traveled into English with this meaning related to natural qualities rather than just describing objects that can be touched or seen.