physics

[fiz-iks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force.

physics

/ ˈfɪzɪks /

noun

1. 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

2. physical properties of behaviour

   the physics of the electron

3. archaic,  natural science or natural philosophy

physics

1. The scientific study of matter, energy, space, and time, and of the relations between them.

2. The behavior of a given physical system, especially as understood by a physical theory.

physics

1. The scientific study of matter and motion. (See mechanics, optics, quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of physics¹

First recorded in 1580–90; physic, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of physics¹

C16: from Latin physica, translation of Greek ta phusika natural things, from phusis nature

Example Sentences

That isn’t a spoiler, it’s just Hollywood physics.

From Los Angeles Times

There's also a historian who tracked his thumbnail growth for 35 years, and physics researchers exploring the mysteries of pasta sauce.

From BBC

Last week Qualifications Wales paused the most controversial part of the original shake-up plans, which was to scrap separate science GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics from September 2026.

From BBC

It is hoped the move will address a shortage of teachers in maths, chemistry, physics, technology, computing and design and Irish medium education.

From BBC

Elias achieved three of his A*s – in chemistry, maths and physics – last year, while he scored an A* in further maths and A in biology this year.

From BBC

Related Words

• biology