Etymology From Middle English practical, practicale, praktycall, from Medieval Latin practicālis.
1
Relating to, or based on, practice or action rather than theory or hypothesis.
Jack didn't get an engineering degree, but has practical knowledge of metalworking.
Modern engineering applies science to practical problems.
2
Being likely to be effective and applicable to a real situation; able to be put to use.
Jack's knowledge has the practical benefit of giving us useful prototype parts.
Recruits will be taught in-depth electrical and mechanical engineering as well as gaining practical experience in rail maintenance.2021 February 24, “Rail industry marks National Apprenticeship Week”, in RAIL, number 925, page 17:
3
Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical.
All in all, Jack's a very practical chap.
4
Entertainment, Lifestyle, Theater Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
5
Broadcasting, Film, Media, Television Light fixtures used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical lighting can help sell the illusion that the film is a real situation.
Etymology From Middle English practical, practicale, praktycall, from Medieval Latin practicālis.
1
UK A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability
2
Entertainment, Lifestyle, Theater A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Practicals are used onstage as they would be used in real life. If the sound cue is to be from a radio or television, give qualities to the recording that will maintain the sense of the medium.2013, Deena Kaye, James LeBrecht, Sound and Music for the Theatre: The Art & Technique of Design:
3
Broadcasting, Film, Media, Television A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
A naturalistic set is normally dressed with all the furnishings and props to be found in a real room. This includes electric light fittings which, when they actually light, are known as practicals.2001, Francis Reid, The Stage Lighting Handbook, page 124: