-ics

noun suffix

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: study : knowledge : skill : practice

linguistics

electronics

2

: characteristic actions or activities

acrobatics

3

: characteristic qualities, operations, or phenomena

mechanics

Word History

Etymology

-ic entry 1 + -s entry 1; translation of Greek -ika, from neuter plural of -ikos -ic

Kids Definition

-ics

singular or plural noun suffix

(ˌ)iks

1

: study : knowledge : skill : practice

electronics

2

: characteristic actions or activities

acrobatics

3

: characteristic qualities or operations

mechanics

Etymology

derived from Greek -ika "study, skill"