physical science

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noun

any of the natural sciences dealing with inanimate matter or with energy, as physics, chemistry, and astronomy.

these sciences collectively.

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Origin of physical science

First recorded in 1835–45

OTHER WORDS FROM physical science

physical scientist, noun

Words nearby physical science

physical medicine, physical meteorology, physical optics, physical pendulum, physicals, physical science, physical therapy, physician, Physician, heal thyself, physician's assistant, physicianship

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use physical science in a sentence

To count the number of urban residents exposed to extreme heat, we used data and models that incorporate advances in both social and physical sciences.
Extreme heat days have tripled in cities over the past 40 years|Tuholske et al./The Conversation|October 6, 2021|Popular-Science
This critical question reaches beyond physical sciences into economics, sociology, and even psychology.
How bad will climate change get?|Umair Irfan|September 10, 2021|Vox
From 2017 to 2019, they constituted nearly three-quarters of all health care workers, but were outnumbered by men in the physical sciences, computing and engineering.
STEM’s racial, ethnic and gender gaps are still strikingly large|Maria Temming|April 14, 2021|Science News
In the United States, only one in three bachelor’s degrees in physical sciences, engineering, and computing go to women, and fewer than one in five doctoral degrees in those fields.
The Problem with a New Study on Mentorship in Science - Facts So Romantic|Aubrey Clayton|December 2, 2020|Nautilus

Further still, all our dearest interests lie beyond the domains of physical science, in the regions of faith.
Gospel Philosophy|J. H. Ward
Alexander recommended to him to attend particularly to experiments in physical science.
Great Men and Famous Women. Vol. 3 of 8|Various
An atmosphere was then created in which physical science could not grow.
The Necessity of Atheism|Dr. D.M. Brooks
While he sneers at physical science, he regards theological science as a blind superstition.
British Quarterly Review, American Edition, Volume LIV|Various
Of course the protest that will be heard at once is that what we now mean by science is physical science.
Education: How Old The New|James J. Walsh

British Dictionary definitions for physical science

physical science

noun

any of the sciences concerned with nonliving matter, energy, and the physical properties of the universe, such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geologyCompare life science

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 physical science

physical science

Any of several branches of science, such as physics, chemistry, and astronomy, that study the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter. Compare life science.