topical
When some information or news is current and of immediate interest, we say it is topical. This might be a news story or a bit of gossip, or just a subject that is of current importance. If it's "now," it's topical.
There are several meanings of the word topical, but one clue can help you remember them all: that inside word "top." You often hear newscasters refer to the "top" stories of the day—they’re current, and that makes them topical. That same little word "top" can help you remember the medical meaning of topical: pertaining to the surface of the skin. A cream applied to the "top" of your skin is a topical medication. Remember that clue, and you'll be "tops" too.
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pertaining to the surface of a body part“a drug for topical (or local) application”“a topical anesthesia”
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Synonyms:
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local
affecting only a restricted part or area of the body
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local
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of interest at the present time“a topical reference”“a topical and timely study of civil liberty”
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Synonyms:
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current
occurring in or belonging to the present time
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current
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of or relating to or arranged by topics“a detailed record on both a chronological and a topical basis”
- MLA
- APA
- Chicago
Vocabulary lists containing topical
Anna sues her parents in order to prevent them from using her as a bone marrow donor for her older sister, Kate.
Del Rainey joins a church group in order to get close to his crush, Kiera Westing.
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