topical

Definitions

1. adjective

   Relating to a particular topic or subject.

   Example

   • The book is divided into topical chapters.
2. adjective

   Relating to a topic or subject of current interest.

   Example

   • Fair trade has become quite a topical issue.
3. adjective

   Local to a particular place.

4. adjective

   Applied to a localized part of the body.

   ≠systemic
5. adjective

   Applied externally (to the surface of the skin or eye).

   Example

   • Terbinafine is available in 250 mg tablets and in a topical 1% ointment. There is no parenteral form available.
6. adjective

   Arranged according to topic or theme; thematic.

7. noun

   A substance, especially a medication, applied externally (to the surface of the skin or eye).

   Examples

   • 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.
   • "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.
8. noun

   A topical anaesthetic.

9. noun

   A joke dealing with current events or topical subjects.

   Example

   • 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.
10. noun

    A postage stamp depicting a particular theme or subject (such as birds or trains), potentially sought out by topical stamp collectors.

    Example

    • beautiful Pictorials, topicals, commemoratives, airmails. Introductory selection 40% discount. Ralph Rice, 15 Longlane, West Hartford 7, Conn.