classical

Universal Words adjective [usuallybeforenoun] 1 widely accepted and used for a long time; traditional in style or idea: the classical economics of Smith and Ricardo * the classical theory of unemployment * classical and modern ballet / dance 2 connected with or influenced by the culture of ancient Greece and Rome: classical studies * a classical scholar (= an expert in Latin and Greek) * classical architecture 3 (of music) written in a Western musical tradition, usually using an established form (for example a SYMPHONY) and not played on electronic instruments. Classical music is generally considered to be serious and to have a lasting value: He plays classical music, as well as pop and jazz. * a classical album / composer / violinist 4 = CLASSIC: These are classical examples of food allergy. 5 (of a language) ancient in its form and no longer used in a spoken form: classical Arabic 6 simple and attractive: the classical elegance of the design classically adverb: Her face is classically beautiful. * Classically, pregnant women start to 'nest' shortly before the baby is born. * a classically educated reader * classically trained singers / dancers