physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfi-ziks 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions

2

a

: the physical processes and phenomena of a particular system

b

: the physical properties and composition of something

Examples of physics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In pictures: Hurricane Helene unleashes its fury 1 of 69 There are also models in development combining machine learning with real-world physics — known as hybrid models — that could be the solution to some of these problems. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

In addition, the user might have stated that physics is altered, maybe telling the AI to pretend that the action is occurring on the Moon or Mars. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Rather than processing information with every bit represented by either a 1 or 0, quantum computers use (rather fittingly) quantum mechanics, a field of physics that studies subatomic particles, to operate. —Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024

Harnessing the power of particle physics, Willow solved a problem in under five minutes that would take the world's fastest classical supercomputer an unimaginable 10 septillion years—that's a 1 followed by 25 zeros. —Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin physica, plural, natural science, from Greek physika, from neuter plural of physikos of nature, from physis growth, nature, from phyein to bring forth — more at be

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing physics

• high-energy physics
• particle physics

Kids Definition

physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks 

1

: a science that deals with matter and energy and their actions upon each other in the fields of mechanics, heat, light, electricity, sound, and the atomic nucleus

2

: physical composition, characteristics, or processes

the physics of sound

Medical Definition

physics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks 

: a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions in the fields of mechanics, acoustics, optics, heat, electricity, magnetism, radiation, atomic structure, and nuclear phenomena