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

Biden's aides have pushed back at the allegation, saying there were physical changes as he got older but no evidence of mental incapacity and nothing that affected his ability to do the job.

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Three-quarters of women experience symptoms – from physical changes like joint pain, weight gain and hot flushes to cognitive effects such as memory issues and brain fog.

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What followed was not just a physical change but a confrontation with her new identity.

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"There is a physical change that I feel, it does something to your body, for certain," she says.

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Some other physical changes from administering testosterone or estrogen are not reversible, the policy statement said.

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When To Use

What is a physical change?

A physical change is a change to the physical—as opposed to chemical—properties of a substance. They are usually reversible.The physical properties of a substance include such characteristics as shape (volume and size), color, texture, flexibility, density, and mass.Physical changes are not to be confused with chemical changes, which form whole new substances.