physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfi-ziks 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions

2

a

: the physical processes and phenomena of a particular system

b

: the physical properties and composition of something

Examples of physics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those LLMs cannot give a truly accurate and complete—and short—answer to a complex question any more than a physics professor can explain the fullness and the intricacies of quantum theory or general relativity 100% accurately in a few sentences to a general audience. —Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Now Figueiredo’s conspiracy is another manifestation of abstract geometric structure that seems to underlie particle physics. —Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024

To some degree, each observatory’s ability to answer key physics questions will depend on how well researchers are able to work between projects and with one another. —Eric Baculinao, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024

Introduction experimental physics fundamental physics gravity physics quantum gravity quantum physics All topics (opens a new tab) Detecting a graviton — the hypothetical particle thought to carry the force of gravity — is the ultimate physics experiment. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin physica, plural, natural science, from Greek physika, from neuter plural of physikos of nature, from physis growth, nature, from phyein to bring forth — more at be

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing physics

• high-energy physics
• particle physics

Kids Definition

physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks 

1

: a science that deals with matter and energy and their actions upon each other in the fields of mechanics, heat, light, electricity, sound, and the atomic nucleus

2

: physical composition, characteristics, or processes

the physics of sound

Medical Definition

physics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks 

: a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions in the fields of mechanics, acoustics, optics, heat, electricity, magnetism, radiation, atomic structure, and nuclear phenomena