Relating to or consisting of figures, especially in visual art or representation.
From Latin 'figuralis' (of or relating to a figure), derived from 'figura' (shape, form). The '-al' suffix denotes the adjective form meaning 'of or pertaining to.'
Art historians use 'figural' to describe any artwork that shows recognizable shapes or people, as opposed to abstract art—it's a technical term that separates 'I can see what that is' from 'I have no idea what this is supposed to be.'
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