physics
Americannoun
noun
-
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
-
physical properties of behaviour
the physics of the electron
-
archaic natural science or natural philosophy
-
The scientific study of matter, energy, space, and time, and of the relations between them.
-
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:
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.
In an era where pitchers throw ridiculously hard and have sliders that appear to defy the laws of physics, getting a hit is as difficult as ever.
Traditional physics models have consistently overestimated how tall a foam must be before liquid begins to leak out.
From Science Daily
One promising solution is quantum cryptography, which relies on the laws of physics rather than mathematical complexity to keep data secure.
From Science Daily
This holds the same profound implications for defense and intelligence today as nuclear physics did 80 years ago.
The two sat to discuss quantum physics and religion, he said.
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.
