physical environment

American  

[fiz-i-kuhl-en-vahy-ruhn-muhnt] / ˈfɪz ɪ kəl ɛnˈvaɪ rən mənt /

noun

physical environments plural

1. the parts of the environment that are tangible and primarily natural, though they may be influenced by human action (climate, geographical features, weather systems, etc.).

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Example Sentences

The problem is in the qubits, whose quantum states are particularly sensitive to changes in the physical environment, meaning anything from electromagnetic fields to heat.

From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025

Thus, human cognition and memory could be considered to take place not just in the human brain, nor just in human bodily instinct, but also in the physical environment itself.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2024

Spatial cognition, the ability of humans to perceive and navigate our physical environment, is a fundamental set of brain-based skills.

From Science Daily • Nov. 9, 2023

The newest signs are themed around biodiversity, ecosystems, the physical environment and pollution.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2023

Could the physical environment change what was happening inside the head?

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel