physical science

American  

noun

1. any of the natural sciences dealing with inanimate matter or with energy, as physics, chemistry, and astronomy.

2. these sciences collectively.

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physical science British  

noun

1. any of the sciences concerned with nonliving matter, energy, and the physical properties of the universe, such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology Compare life science

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physical science Scientific  

1. Any of several branches of science, such as physics, chemistry, and astronomy, that study the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter.

2. Compare life science

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Other Word Forms

• physical scientist noun

Etymology

Origin of physical science

First recorded in 1835–45

Compare meaning

How does physical-science compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• physical science vs. physics
• life science vs. physical science