Topical Meaning
/ˈtɒp.ɪ.kəl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjRelating to a particular topic or subject.
adjRelating to a topic or subject of current interest.
Sentence Examples
The 5% topical solution was ineffective at reducing eczema outbreaks.
She touched on all the topical subjects.
Let's stop talking about it, the issue isn't topical anymore.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The doctor prescribed a ____ cream to treat the patient's skin rash.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The comedian made several ____ jokes about global events that had happened just earlier this morning today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English topic Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālisbor. Old French -albor. ▲ Latin -ālis Old French -elbor. ▲ Latin -ālisbor. Middle English -al English -al English topical From topic + -al.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Terbinafine is available in 250 mg tablets and in a topical 1% ointment. There is no parenteral form available."
— 2003, Peter G. Pappas, “Terbinafine”, in William E. Dismukes, Peter G. Pappas, Jack D. Sobel, editors, Clinical Mycology, Oxford University Press, →ISBN, page 106:
"Small amounts of potent ingredients can, in theory, mean far less skin irritation, as one might get with a one-time high dose of retinol. And with topicals, there is a more uniform delivery of product to the skin’s surface."
— 2012 August 8, Alix Strauss, “Marketing Time in a Bottle Pays Off”, in The New York Times:
""This is a great introductory line to first-time cannabis users because two of the items are topicals, which don't get you high," says Elisabeth, who prides herself and her growers on having a well-balanced and chemical-free strand."
— 2016 March 30, Kate Branch, “Whoopi Goldberg Wants to Cure Your PMS—With Cannabis”, in Glamour:
"You can’t do a show at an audience – you have to do a show with an audience and structure the act so that you start with the “hello” gags, then the topicals, then the surreal stuff."
— 2017 November 4, Michael Billington, “Ken Dodd at 90: the rib-tickling genius is still crazy after all these years”, in The Guardian:
"beautiful Pictorials, topicals, commemoratives, airmails. Introductory selection 40% discount. Ralph Rice, 15 Longlane, West Hartford 7, Conn."
— 1956 December, “Classified Advertisements: Stamp collecting”, in Popular Mechanics, volume 106, number 6, page 57:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The doctor prescribed a ____ cream to treat the patient's skin rash.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The comedian made several ____ jokes about global events that had happened just earlier this morning today.