topical

topi·cal (täp′i kəl)

adjective

of a particular place; local
of, using, or arranged by topics, subjects, or headings
having to do with topics of the day; of current or local interest topical allusions in literature
Med. of or for a particular part of the body; esp., designating or by local application a topical remedy

top′i·cal′·ity (-kal′ə tē) noun top′i·cally adverb

modif.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

make: Likewise the modern pursuit of justice in terms of revenge makes this book highly topical.
keep: A well-run network will thrive if its participants play an active role in keeping the network topical and relevant.

Modifies a noun

steroid: The flares then require topical steroid to bring them back under control.
corticosteroid: Other useful advice Only use topical corticosteroids on the affected areas of skin.
antibiotic: The topical steroid may be combined with a topical antibiotic.
capsaicin: Systematic review of topical capsaicin for the treatment of chronic pain.
anesthesia: Prior to laser treatment the patient requires topical anesthesia to the treatment area.
antimicrobials: White R.J. , Cooper R. , Kingsley A. ( 2001 ) ' Wound colonization and infection: the role of topical antimicrobials ' .

Modifying Another Word

highly: An emotive family drama with a highly topical approach.
particularly: The backdrop is perhaps particularly topical in the wake of SARS.
extremely: I very much like to dance, look various romantic and extremely topical films.
especially: Now, with a General Election only weeks away, Chicken Soup with Barley is especially topical.
very: At the top of the chart, Hannibal gave way to the very topical Proof of Life.
too: It has become all too topical in relation to possible British membership of the Euro.

Used with adjective complement

remain: A tight recording schedule ensured the jokes remained fiercely topical.
seem: One was a life size statue of a sitting Afghan Hound in the man's study and that seemed topical.
become: In recent years they have become even more topical with the widespread use of cryptography.
compare: Three trials with 433 patients comparing topical with oral NSAID found no difference in efficacy.
make: Obviously this has been made more topical in recent years ever since the bath's triumph in BBC Television's Restoration series in 2003.
use: The project has helped me to reflect on how I could use topical, local and national issues in my teaching more.. .

Browse dictionary entries near topical