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

Jennifer is a senior reporter at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024

Or Shirley Ann Jackson, who moved seamlessly from being MIT's first Black woman Ph.D. in theoretical physics to conducting research at Bell Labs to leading Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute while serving on corporate boards and chairing the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. —Ann Kirschner, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

This theory makes definite predictions about the distribution of dark matter, but leaves great uncertainty in the rather messy physics whereby gas agglomerates and converts into stars. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Physicists have long recognized that nothing in the laws of physics specifically forbids time travel. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 20 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