Literal

You looked for literal. (Literal is a word used in talking about language to mean 'not figurative'.) AWE has different pages that may help you.

• There is a more detailed note about the distinction between literal and figurative at literal - figurative
  • with more on the origin of the word at Literal (etymology)
  • and one on a common misuse of the adverb literally at Literally (style)
• There is a note about professional printers' use of the word literal at Typo.
• There is a note on a spelling confusion at Literal – littoral

For a common misuse of this word, see literally.