physis

[ fahy-sis ]

noun

, plural phy·ses [fahy, -seez].

1. the principle of growth or change in nature.
2. nature as the source of growth or change.
3. something that grows, becomes, or develops.

Word History and Origins

Origin of physis¹

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

Example Sentences

Another—It is all physiological units: but his reason asks—What is the “physis,” the nature and innate tendency of the units?

From Project Gutenberg

Another: It is all physiological units; but his reason asks: What is the “physis,” the nature and “innate tendency” of the units?

From Project Gutenberg

Phlegmatos d' ouden epoisen h physis organon kathartikon, hoti psychron kai hygron esti kai hoion hmipeptos tis troph.

From Project Gutenberg

Founded by the philosophers upon nature (physis) it was physical.

From Project Gutenberg

Greatest, said Galen, is the Physis, and Hippocrates is its prophet.

From Project Gutenberg