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astrophysics

[as-troh-fiz-iks]
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noun (used with a singular verb)
  1. the branch of astronomy that deals with the physical properties of celestial bodies and with the interaction between matter and radiation in the interior of celestial bodies and in interstellar space.
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Origin of astrophysics

First recorded in 1885–90; astro- + physics
Related formsas·tro·phys·i·cal, adjectiveas·tro·phys·i·cist [as-troh-fiz-uh-sist] /ˌæs troʊˈfɪz ə sɪst/, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for astrophysicist

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • Chances were there was no astrophysicist nearer than Ganymede.

  • If Mars were incandescent, we should appeal to the astrophysicist for information2 regarding its chemical composition.

    Mars and its Mystery

    Edward Sylvester Morse

  • The astrophysicist continued, at considerable length, to establish the position of Ceti II to his own complete satisfaction.

    Eight Keys to Eden

    Mark Irvin Clifton

British Dictionary definitions for astrophysicist

astrophysics

noun
  1. (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the physical and chemical properties, origin, and evolution of the celestial bodies
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Derived Formsastrophysical, adjectiveastrophysicist, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for astrophysicist

n.

1869, usually hyphenated at first, from astro- + physicist. Astrophysics is recorded from 1877.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
astrophysicist in Science

astrophysics

[ăs′trō-fĭz′ĭks]
  1. The branch of astronomy that deals with the physical and chemical processes that occur in stars, galaxies, and interstellar space. Astrophysics deals with the structure and evolution of stars, the properties of interstellar space and its interactions with systems of stars, and with the structure and dynamics of clusters of stars such as galaxies.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
astrophysicist in Culture

astrophysics

The branch of astronomy devoted to the study of the physical characteristics and composition of objects in the sky. Typical concerns of astrophysics are how much light the stars give off and the size, mass, and temperature of planets and stars.

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The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.