physics
Americannoun
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.
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.
Few concepts in physics are as familiar, or as puzzling, as time itself.
From Science Daily • May 18, 2026
TAE CEO Michl Binderbauer, who has a doctorate in physics from UC Irvine, holds more than 100 U.S. and international patents, according to the company.
From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026
He brings the same relatable style to “Why Do We Exist?” a book co-written with Nils Johnson-Shelton that seeks to explain major findings in modern physics.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
With a clearer understanding of the underlying physics, engineers may be able to design rubber materials more precisely.
From Science Daily • May 13, 2026
It also leads many other music traditions to prefer tunings other than equal temperament, particularly tunings in which some of the important intervals are based on the pure, simple-ratio intervals of physics.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
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.
