physics

[ fiz-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force.

physics

/ ˈfɪzɪks /

noun

1. the branch of science concerned with the properties of matter and energy and the relationships between them. It is based on mathematics and traditionally includes mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics, and heat. Modern physics, based on quantum theory, includes atomic, nuclear, particle, and solid-state studies. It can also embrace applied fields such as geophysics and meteorology
2. physical properties of behaviour

   the physics of the electron

3. archaic.
   natural science or natural philosophy

physics

/ fĭz′ĭks /

1. The scientific study of matter, energy, space, and time, and of the relations between them.
2. The behavior of a given physical system, especially as understood by a physical theory.

physics

1. The scientific study of matter and motion. ( See mechanics , optics , quantum mechanics , relativity , and thermodynamics .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of physics¹

First recorded in 1580–90; physic, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of physics¹

C16: from Latin physica, translation of Greek ta phusika natural things, from phusis nature

Example Sentences

Light cones emerge in physics because the speed of light is constant.

From MIT Technology Review

Some of the most perplexing topics in physics revolve around quantum theory.

From Nautilus

Like the laws of physics, the laws of biology simply describe what is, not what should be.

From Nautilus

Over the last few decades it has grown from a small collection of insights into a dynamic area of research with deep connections to more areas of math and physics than Hamilton ever could have imagined.

From Quanta Magazine

That frees physicists to focus on other explanations, like potential issues with the supernova or quasar measurements, or the possibility of unexplained new physics phenomena.

From Science News

Their friendship began when Krauss, who was chairman of the physics department at Case Western in Cleveland, sought out Epstein.

From The Daily Beast

The laws of physics probably forbid wormholes from existing anyway, according to Thorne.

From The Daily Beast

He majored in mathematical physics, studying mind-bending theories of quantum mechanics and partial differential equations.

From The Daily Beast

Muslims made many discoveries in mathematics, chemistry, physics, medicine, astronomy and psychology.

From The Daily Beast

Before Malala, in 1979, Dr. Abdus Salam won the Nobel Prize for Physics.

From The Daily Beast

To understand how this took place, the reader should consider certain simple yet noble generalizations of physics.

From Project Gutenberg

Like Socrates, however, ethics were the great subject of his inquiries, to which physics were only subordinate.

From Project Gutenberg

With Aristotle, ethics formed only one branch of attention; his main inquiries were in reference to physics and metaphysics.

From Project Gutenberg

He sets no value on logic, nor much on physics; but he reveals sentiments of great simplicity and grandeur.

From Project Gutenberg

The animal body is not a test-tube and, in it, the laws of physics are modified by those of physiology.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• biology