physics
Americannoun
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physics
plural
noun
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the branch of science concerned with the properties of matter and energy and the relationships between them. It is based on mathematics and traditionally includes mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics, and heat. Modern physics, based on quantum theory, includes atomic, nuclear, particle, and solid-state studies. It can also embrace applied fields such as geophysics and meteorology
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physical properties of behaviour
the physics of the electron
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archaic natural science or natural philosophy
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The scientific study of matter, energy, space, and time, and of the relations between them.
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The behavior of a given physical system, especially as understood by a physical theory.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of physics
Compare meaning
How does physics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Physics is a kind of science, specifically the science of matter and energy and how they interact. Physics is the study of physical matter, energy, and how they work together. Kinetic energy and potential energy are part of physics. Although it may sound really advanced — and it is — physics is involved in everything we do. Champion pool players have a good understanding of how physics influences the movement of the balls. People who design roller coasters better know their physics. And if you've ever rigged up a pulley or a lever, then you've done basic physics.
Vocabulary lists containing physics
Albert Einstein
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A Brief History of Time
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"Roller Girl" by Victoria Jamieson
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Quantum physics, developed in the early 20th century, instead focuses on atoms and subatomic particles.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 19, 2026
This is not to excuse excesses, but to point out a mundane matter of physics.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
The latter played Casey, a student with Ivy League ambitions whose interest in physics brings her to the figure skating world.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026
"It's lovely to get involved with people in the community - it's all about introducing people to physics in a safe-ish environment," he said.
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
“Circus, yes. Flying, no. The trapeze stays still. I move around it. It’s just physics, really. But it lets me be . . . me.”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
