natural: Meaning and Definition of
nat•u•ral
Pronunciation: (nach'ur-ul, nach'rul), [key]
— adj.
- existing in or formed by nature (opposed to artificial): a natural bridge.
- based on the state of things in nature; constituted by nature: Growth is a natural process.
- of or pertaining to nature or the universe: natural beauty.
- of, pertaining to, or occupied with the study of natural science: conducting natural experiments.
- in a state of nature; uncultivated, as land.
- growing spontaneously, without being planted or tended by human hand, as vegetation.
- having undergone little or no processing and containing no chemical additives:Cf.(def. 11). natural food; natural ingredients.
- having a real or physical existence, as opposed to one that is spiritual, intellectual, fictitious, etc.
- of, pertaining to, or proper to the nature or essential constitution: natural ability.
- proper to the circumstances of the case: a natural result of his greed.
- free from affectation or constraint: a natural manner.
- arising easily or spontaneously: a natural courtesy to strangers.
- consonant with the nature or character of.
- in accordance with the nature of things: It was natural that he should hit back.
- based upon the innate moral feeling of humankind: natural justice.
- in conformity with the ordinary course of nature; not unusual or exceptional.
- happening in the ordinary or usual course of things, without the intervention of accident, violence, etc.
- related only by birth; of no legal relationship; illegitimate: a natural son.
- related by blood rather than by adoption.
- based on what is learned from nature rather than on revelation.
- true to or closely imitating nature: a natural representation.
- unenlightened or unregenerate: the natural man.
- being such by nature; born such: a natural fool.
-
- neither sharp nor flat.
- changed in pitch by the sign ♮.
- not treated, tanned, refined, etc.; in its original or raw state: natural wood; natural cowhide.
- (of a horn or trumpet) having neither side holes nor valves.
- not tinted or colored; undyed.
- having a pale tannish or grayish-yellow color, as many woods and untreated animal skins.
-
- being a card other than a wild card or joker.
- (of a set or sequence of cards) containing no wild cards.
- having or showing feelings, as affection, gratitude, or kindness, considered part of basic human nature.
- Afro (def. 1).
—n.
- any person or thing that is or is likely or certain to be very suitable to and successful in an endeavor without much training or difficulty.
-
- a white key on a piano, organ, or the like.
- the sign ♮, placed before a note, canceling the effect of a previous sharp or flat.
- a note affected by a ♮, or a tone thus represented.
- an idiot.
- blackjack (def. 2b).
- Afro (def. 2).
- (in craps) a winning combination of seven or eleven made on the first cast.
- a natural substance or a product made with such a substance: an ointment containing mink oil and other naturals.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.