magic
UK /ˈmad͡ʒɪk/ · US /ˈmæd͡ʒɪk/ noun, adjective, verb, proper noun
Forms magics magicking magicked magick magicke magique
- noun The application of rituals or actions, especially those based on occult knowledge, to subdue or manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces in order to have some benefit from them. ““My magic will help you find true love,” said the witch as she looked for the right herbs in her collection.”
- noun The supernatural forces which are drawn on in such a ritual.
- noun (rare, countable) A specific ritual or procedure associated with such magic; a spell; a magical ability.
- noun (gaming, countable) The ability to cast a magic spell. “I learned a new magic after rescuing the tree fairy.”
- noun Something producing successful and remarkable results, especially when not fully understood; an enchanting quality; exceptional skill.
- noun (computing, slang) Complicated or esoteric code that is not expected to be generally understood.
- noun (entertainment) The art or practice of performing conjuring tricks and illusions to give the appearance of supernatural phenomena or powers.
- noun (countable) One such conjuring trick or illusion.
- adjective Having supernatural talents, properties or qualities attributed to magic. “a magic wand”
- adjective Producing extraordinary results, as though through the use of magic. “a magic moment”
- adjective Pertaining to conjuring tricks or illusions performed for entertainment etc. “a magic show”
- adjective (colloquial) Great; excellent. “I cleaned up the flat while you were out. —Really? Magic!”
- adjective (physics) Describing the number of nucleons in a particularly stable isotopic nucleus; 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126, and 184.
- adjective (programming) Being a literal number or string value with no meaning or context, not defined as a constant or variable “The code is full of magic numbers and we can't figure out what they mean.”
- verb (transitive) To produce, transform (something), (as if) by magic.
- proper noun An Allied cryptanalysis project, during and prior to World War II, that decrypted Japanese messages.
Synonyms
dwimmer spellcraft thaumaturgy witchcraft wizardry cantrip incantation chantment charm conjuration craft enchantment hex magic spell makutu mojo obeah pishogue rune spell magic trick conjuring trick trick legerdemain illusion deception charming magical sorcerous witching
Etymology
From Middle English magik, magyk, from Old French magique (noun and adjective), from Latin magicus (adjective), magica (noun use of feminine form of magicus), from Ancient Greek μαγικός (magikós, “magical”), from μάγος (mágos, “magus”). Ultimately from Old Iranian, probably derived from Proto-Indo-European *meh₂gʰ- (“to be able to, to help; power, sorcerer”). Displaced Old English ġealdor (whence Middle English galder) and dwimmer.
Webster’s 1913
- noun A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret forces in nature attained by a study of occult science, including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, incantation, etc. An appearance made by some magic. Chaucer.
- adjective Pertaining to the hidden wisdom supposed to be possessed by the Magi; relating to the occult powers of nature, and the producing of effects by their agency.
- adjective Performed by, or proceeding from, occult and superhuman agencies; done by, or seemingly done by, enchantment or sorcery. Hence: Seemingly requiring more than human power; imposing or startling in performance; producing effects which seem supernatural or very extraordinary; having extraordinary properties; as, a magic lantern; a magic square or circle.
Etymology [OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. Magic, a., and Magi.]
Etymology [L. magicus, Gr. magique. See Magi.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “magic”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details