physics

American  

[fiz-iks] / ˈfɪz ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force.

---

physics British  

/ ˈfɪzɪks /

noun

1. the branch of science concerned with the properties of matter and energy and the relationships between them. It is based on mathematics and traditionally includes mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics, and heat. Modern physics, based on quantum theory, includes atomic, nuclear, particle, and solid-state studies. It can also embrace applied fields such as geophysics and meteorology

2. physical properties of behaviour

   the physics of the electron

3. archaic natural science or natural philosophy

---

physics Scientific  

/ fĭz′ĭks /

1. The scientific study of matter, energy, space, and time, and of the relations between them.

2. The behavior of a given physical system, especially as understood by a physical theory.

---

physics Cultural  

1. The scientific study of matter and motion. (See mechanics, optics, quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics.)

---

Etymology

Origin of physics

First recorded in 1580–90; see origin at physic, -ics

Compare meaning

How does physics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• physical science vs. physics

Explanation

Physics is a kind of science, specifically the science of matter and energy and how they interact. Physics is the study of physical matter, energy, and how they work together. Kinetic energy and potential energy are part of physics. Although it may sound really advanced — and it is — physics is involved in everything we do. Champion pool players have a good understanding of how physics influences the movement of the balls. People who design roller coasters better know their physics. And if you've ever rigged up a pulley or a lever, then you've done basic physics.

Example Sentences

But Alexandra Căpitănescu, a Master's student at the Faculty of Physics in Bucharest, says campaigners have got it all wrong.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Researchers at Aalto University's Department of Applied Physics have now achieved a major milestone by linking a time crystal to an external system for the first time.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

Irwin has a background in engineering and worked at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab, according to her bio.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Those opposed to regulation say "unregulated AI is like the accelerator, and regulation is like a brake", said the British-Canadian computer scientist who won the 2024 Nobel Physics Prize for his work on AI.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

The 1933 Solvay Conference on Physics brought together the sciences aristocracy, including a score of current or future Nobel laureates.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• biology