definitions

geophysics

[ jee-oh-fiz-iks ]
/ ˌdʒi oʊˈfɪz ɪks /
|

noun (used with a singular verb)

the branch of geology that deals with the physics of the earth and its atmosphere, including oceanography, seismology, volcanology, and geomagnetism.

Nearby words

geonim, geophagy, geophilous, geophone, geophysical, geophysics, geophyte, geopolitical, geopolitics, geoponic, geoponics

Origin of geophysics

First recorded in 1885–90; geo- + physics

Related forms

ge·o·phys·i·cal, adjectivege·o·phys·i·cal·ly, adverbge·o·phys·i·cist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for geophysical

British Dictionary definitions for geophysical (1 of 2)

geophysical

/ (ˌdʒiːəʊˈfɪzɪkəl) /

adjective

of or relating to geophysics

British Dictionary definitions for geophysical (2 of 2)

geophysics

/ (ˌdʒiːəʊˈfɪzɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the study of the earth's physical properties and of the physical processes acting upon, above, and within the earth. It includes seismology, geomagnetism, meteorology, and oceanography

Derived Forms

geophysicist, 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

Science definitions for geophysical

geophysics

[ jē′ō-fĭz′ĭks ]

The scientific study of the physical characteristics of the Earth, including its hydrosphere and atmosphere, and of the Earth's relationship to the rest of the universe.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for geophysical

geophysics

The science devoted to the study of the physical properties and processes of geological phenomena, including fields such as meteorology, oceanography, and seismology.

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.