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Definition of pataphysical

pataphysical

/ˌpætəˈfɪzɪkəl/
pa · ta · phys · i · cal
Adverb:pataphysically
•
Adjective:pataphysical
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pataphysical Lexical Profile

pataphysical Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to pataphysics, the parodic, absurd pseudo-science of imaginary solutions created by French writer Alfred Jarry.

Example

"The play's pataphysical humor left the audience both bewildered and amused by its intentionally nonsensical logic."

2

Intentionally nonsensical, overly complex, or absurd, especially in a way that mimics profound philosophical or scientific reasoning.

Example

"He offered a rather pataphysical explanation for why his alarm clock failed to go off, involving imaginary time dilation and the alignment of distant stars."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pataphysical

• Nearby Words

pasty
pat
patagonian toothfish
pataphysical
patapsco
patch
patch-nosed snake

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the French word 'pataphysique', coined by the writer Alfred Jarry in 1893 to describe a parodic 'science of imaginary solutions'. Jarry formed it playfully from 'physics'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pataphysical. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pataphysical
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