geophysics

[ jee-oh-fiz-iks ]

/ ˌdʒi oʊˈfɪz ɪks /

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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.

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Origin of geophysics

First recorded in 1885–90; geo- + physics

OTHER WORDS FROM geophysics

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. 2023

How to use geophysics in a sentence

Lake Whillans drains every 10 years or so, and our geophysics teams have given us a pretty clear picture of the channels from Whillans and other lakes that flow into the Southern Ocean.
He Found ‘Islands of Fertility’ Beneath Antarctica’s Ice|Steve Nadis|July 20, 2020|Quanta Magazine
After he had enjoyed his own humor, the geophysicist did present his capsule of knowledge with excellent brevity.
Eight Keys to Eden|Mark Irvin Clifton
Eventually the geophysicist and the meteorologist completed their duet to the accompaniment of oceanographers and geologists.
Eight Keys to Eden|Mark Irvin Clifton

British Dictionary definitions for geophysics

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 of geophysics

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

Scientific definitions for geophysics

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.

Cultural definitions for geophysics

geophysics

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