physical change

[ fiz-i-kuhl cheynj ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a usually reversible change in the physical properties of a substance, as size or shape:

   Freezing a liquid is a physical change.

Word History and Origins

Origin of physical change¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

The fact that she should be subjected to such scrutiny over a barely perceptible physical change is an absurd waste of media ink.

From The Daily Beast

Like his teenage counterpart, the dad-olescent is dealing with dramatic physical change, but for the worse.

From The Daily Beast

Variation itself is quite peculiar, and as far removed from any physical change as is possible to conceive.

From Project Gutenberg

Naturally there was no physical change, but in some inexplicable way she felt that an inward light was quenched.

From Project Gutenberg

Dowie had not been one of those who had seen the gradual development of the physical change in her.

From Project Gutenberg

Now red sandstone is an infallible mark of rapid deposition, and therefore of active physical change.

From Project Gutenberg

And now with horror I suddenly realized that a physical change had marched alongside the fluctuations of our temper.

From Project Gutenberg