physis

[ fahy-sis ]

noun,plural phy·ses

[fahy-seez]. /ˈfaɪ siz/.

the principle of growth or change in nature.
nature as the source of growth or change.

something that grows, becomes, or develops.

Origin of physis

¹

<Greek phýsis origin, natural form of a thing; akin to phŷlon race (see phylon)

Words Nearby physis

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

How to use physis in a sentence

Another—It is all physiological units: but his reason asks—What is the “physis,” the nature and innate tendency of the units?
Westminster Sermons | Charles Kingsley
Another: It is all physiological units; but his reason asks: What is the “physis,” the nature and “innate tendency” of the units?
Scientific Essays and Lectures | Charles Kingsley
Phlegmatos d' ouden epoisen h physis organon kathartikon, hoti psychron kai hygron esti kai hoion hmipeptos tis troph.
On the Natural Faculties | Galen
Founded by the philosophers upon nature (physis) it was physical.
Comparative Religion | J. Estlin Carpenter
Greatest, said Galen, is the physis, and Hippocrates is its prophet.
On the Natural Faculties | Galen

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