physical change

American  

[fiz-i-kuhl cheynj] / ˈfɪz ɪ kəl ˈtʃeɪndʒ /

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.

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of physical change

First recorded in 1750–60

Compare meaning

How does physical-change compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• physical change vs. chemical change

Example Sentences

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.

From BBC

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