- graphic
-
I. adjective
also graphical
Etymology: Latin graphicus, from Greek graphikos, from graphein
Date: 1637
1.
a. of or relating to the pictorial arts; also pictorial
b. of, relating to, or involving such reproductive methods as those of engraving, etching, lithography, photography, serigraphy, and woodcut
c. of or relating to the art of printing
d. relating or according to graphics
2. formed by writing, drawing, or engraving
3. (usually graphic)
a. marked by clear lifelike or vividly realistic description
b. vividly or plainly shown or described <a graphic sex scene> 4. (usually graphical) of, relating to, or represented by a graph 5. of or relating to the written or printed word or the symbols or devices used in writing or printing to represent sound or convey meaning • graphically adverb • graphicness noun Synonyms: graphic, vivid, picturesque mean giving a clear visual impression in words. graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture <a graphic account of combat>. vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something <a vivid re-creation of an exciting event>. picturesque suggests the presentation of a striking or effective picture composed of features notable for their distinctness and charm <a picturesque account of his travels>. II. noun Date: 1944 1. a. a product of graphic art b. plural the graphic media 2. a. a graphic representation (as a picture, map, or graph) used especially for illustration b. a pictorial image displayed on a computer screen <the program's graphics are impressive> c. plural but singular or plural in construction the art or science of drawing a representation of an object on a two-dimensional surface according to mathematical rules of projection 3. plural but singular or plural in construction the process whereby a computer displays graphics 4. a printed message superimposed on a television picture
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.