manual

man-u-al · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Done with or operated by the hands rather than automatically or electronically.

  2. 2.

    A book of instructions, especially for operating a machine or learning a subject.

  3. 3.

    Requiring human effort or intervention.

  4. 4.

    (music) A keyboard played with the hands on an organ.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    manual labor — physical work done by hand
  • •
    manual override — the ability to control something by hand when automatic systems fail
  • •
    instruction manual — a booklet explaining how to use something

Related words

Antonyms: automated, automatic, mechanical
See also: automatic, guide, handbook
Synonyms: hand-operated, handmade, physical

Etymology

From Latin manualis ("of or belonging to the hand"), from manus ("hand"). The noun sense of "handbook" developed in the 15th century.