mag·ic (mjk) KEY NOUN: The art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural.

The practice of using charms, spells, or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature. The charms, spells, and rituals so used. The exercise of sleight of hand or conjuring for entertainment. A mysterious quality of enchantment: "For me the names of those men breathed the magic of the past" (Max Beerbohm). ADJECTIVE:

Of, relating to, or invoking the supernatural: "stubborn unlaid ghost/That breaks his magic chains at curfew time" (John Milton).

Possessing distinctive qualities that produce unaccountable or baffling effects. TRANSITIVE VERB: mag·icked , mag·ick·ing , mag·ics To produce or make by or as if by magic.

ETYMOLOGY: Middle English magik, from Old French magique, from Late Latin magica, from Latin magic, from Greek magik, from feminine of magikos, of the Magi, magical, from magos, magician, magus ; see MAGUS