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.

---

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

It found that children had been let down by a lack of research and that there was not "good evidence" that puberty blockers, which pause the physical changes of puberty, were safe or effective.

From BBC

Puberty blockers - which suppress the hormones that cause puberty - are often prescribed to children questioning their gender as a way of stopping physical changes such as breast development or facial hair.

From BBC

Her review also found there was not "good evidence" that puberty blockers, which pause the physical changes of puberty, were safe or effective.

From BBC

As people age, natural collagen production slows, which contributes to visible and physical changes.

From Science Daily

In addition to the physical changes, Kinsella said "it was a weird feeling" knowing she no longer had the same stomach power as before because of her abs separating.

From BBC