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

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

"You’re in a traumatic position after the diagnosis and dealing with the physical changes – but I was back to being isolated and had to manage the situation myself."

From BBC

But long-term use can take a terrible toll on the kidney, causing scarring and other dramatic physical changes that shift the organ's focus from blood filtration to producing renin.

From Science Daily

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.