Definition of "Literal" :

noun: a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind

adjective: without interpretation or embellishment

"A literal depiction of the scene before him."

adjective: limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text

"A literal translation."

adjective: avoiding embellishment or exaggeration (used for emphasis)

"It's the literal truth."

adjective: being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something

"A literal solitude like a desert."