Definitions of literal:

• noun:   a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
• adjective:   limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text

  Example: "A literal translation"

• adjective:   of the clearest kind; usually used for emphasis

  Example: "It's the literal truth"

• adjective:   lacking stylistic embellishment

  Example: "A literal description"

• adjective:   without interpretation or embellishment

  Example: "A literal translation of the scene before him"

• adjective:   (of a translation) corresponding word for word with the original

  Example: "Literal translation of the article"

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

  Example: "A literal solitude like a desert- G.K.Chesterton"