astrophysics

American  

[as-troh-fiz-iks] / ˌæs troʊˈfɪz ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of astronomy that deals with the physical properties of celestial bodies and with the interaction between matter and radiation in the interior of celestial bodies and in interstellar space.

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astrophysics British  

/ ˌæstrəʊˈfɪzɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the physical and chemical properties, origin, and evolution of the celestial bodies

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astrophysics Scientific  

/ ăs′trō-fĭz′ĭks /

1. The branch of astronomy that deals with the physical and chemical processes that occur in stars, galaxies, and interstellar space. Astrophysics deals with the structure and evolution of stars, the properties of interstellar space and its interactions with systems of stars, and with the structure and dynamics of clusters of stars such as galaxies.

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astrophysics Cultural  

1. The branch of astronomy devoted to the study of the physical characteristics and composition of objects in the sky. Typical concerns of astrophysics are how much light the stars give off and the size, mass, and temperature of planets and stars.

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Other Word Forms

• astrophysical adjective
• astrophysicist noun

Etymology

Origin of astrophysics

First recorded in 1885–90; astro- + physics

Example Sentences

“When I say it’s the tip of the iceberg, I really do mean that,” said Stephen Kane, a professor of planetary astrophysics at the University of California at Riverside.

From Washington Post

"The Milky Way forms about one to two new stars every year," the astrophysics professor at Colorado University Boulder said in a statement.

From Salon

He has a doctorate in astrophysics and studies asteroids as a hobby.

From New York Times

And while I haven’t made it past the atmosphere myself, as a professor of physics and astronomy who specializes in particle astrophysics, my life has been shaped immeasurably by low-earth orbit space travel and facilities.

From Washington Post

In this session, participants will be joined by a scientist who studies black hole and neutron star astrophysics.

From Seattle Times