Etym. physical early 15c., “of or pertaining to material nature” (in medicine, opposed to surgical), from Medieval Latin physicalis “of nature, natural,” from Latin physica “study of nature” (see physic). Meaning “pertaining to matter” is from 1590s; meaning “having to do with the body, corporeal” is attested from 1780. Meaning “characterized by bodily attributes or activities” is attested from 1970. Physical education first recorded 1838; abbreviated form phys ed is from 1955. Physical therapy is from 1922. Related: Physically.
Etym. fidelity early 15c., “faithfulness, devotion,” from Middle French fidélité (15c.), from Latin fidelitatem (nominative fidelitas) “faithfulness, adherence, trustiness,” from fidelis “faithful, true, trusty, sincere,” from fides “faith” (see faith). From 1530s as “faithful adherence to truth or reality;” specifically of sound reproduction
from 1878.
Definition
- A level of realism associated with a particular simulation activity.
- The degree to which the simulation looks, sounds, and feels like the actual task (Alexander, Brunyé, Sidman, & Weil, 2005).
See also: ENVIRONMENTAL FIDELITY, FIDELITY, REALISM