a. [ L. practicus active, Gr. &unr_; fit for doing or performing, practical, active, fr. &unr_; to do, work, effect: cf. F. pratique, formerly also practique. Cf. Pragmatic, Practice. ] 1. Of or pertaining to practice or action. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry. “Man's practical understanding.” South. “For all practical purposes.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Evincing practice or skill; capable of applying knowledge to some useful end; as, a practical man; a practical mind. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Derived from practice; as, practical skill. [ 1913 Webster ]
Practical joke, a joke put in practice; a joke the fun of which consists in something done, in distinction from something said; esp., a trick played upon a person. [ 1913 Webster ]