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

According to the authors of a preprint posted to the physics arXiv in February, however, recent biological research suggests a higher scaling exponent of 3 known as Murray's Law, for the rule of trees. —Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024

The percentage of Black students taking chemistry, physics and advanced math surged above the statewide average for Black students. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

Those pairs flew off at various angles, and scientists used nuclear physics calculations to predict the spread of those angles. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024

This unique combination of physics and AI allows the system to pinpoint its location and navigate accurately and reliably in any environment, regardless of jamming, spoofing or weather conditions. —Jack Hidary, Forbes, 23 Dec. 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