graphic arts

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Graphic \Graph"ic\ (gr[a^]f"[i^]k), Graphical \Graph"ic*al\
   (gr[a^]f"[i^]*kal), a. [L. graphicus, Gr. grafiko`s, fr.
   gra`fein to write; cf. F. graphique. See {Graft}.]
   1. Of or pertaining to the arts of painting and drawing; of
      or pertaining to graphics; as, graphic art work. [WordNet
      sense 2]
      [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]

   2. Of or pertaining to the art of writing.
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   3. Written or engraved; formed of letters or lines.
      [1913 Webster]

            The finger of God hath left an inscription upon all
            his works, not graphical, or composed of letters.
                                                  --Sir T.
                                                  Browne.
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   4. Having the faculty of clear, detailed, and impressive
      description; as, a graphic writer.
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   5. Well delineated; clearly and vividly described;
      characterized by, clear, detailed, and impressive
      description; vivid; evoking lifelike images within the
      mind; as graphic details of the President's sexual
      misbehavior; a graphic description of the accident;
      graphic images of violence. [WordNet sense 5]

   Syn: lifelike, pictorial, vivid.
        [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]

   6. Hence: describing nudity or sexual activity in explicit
      detail; as, a novel with graphic sex scenes.
      [WordNet 1.5]

   7. relating to or presented by a graph[2]; as, a graphic
      presentation of the data. [WordNet sense 3]

   Syn: graphical.
        [WordNet 1.5]

   {Graphic algebra}, a branch of algebra in which, the
      properties of equations are treated by the use of curves
      and straight lines.

   {Graphic arts}, a name given to those fine arts which pertain
      to the representation on a fiat surface of natural
      objects; as distinguished from music, etc., and also from
      sculpture.

   {Graphic formula}. (Chem.) See under {Formula}.

   {Graphic granite}. See under {Granite}.

   {Graphic method}, the method of scientific analysis or
      investigation, in which the relations or laws involved in
      tabular numbers are represented to the eye by means of
      curves or other figures; as the daily changes of weather
      by means of curves, the abscissas of which represent the
      hours of the day, and the ordinates the corresponding
      degrees of temperature.

   {Graphical statics} (Math.), a branch of statics, in which
      the magnitude, direction, and position of forces are
      represented by straight lines

   {Graphic tellurium}. See {Sylvanite}.
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