natural philosophy

noun

1. natural science.
2. physical science.

natural philosophy

noun

1. (now only used in Scottish universities) physical science, esp physics

Derived Forms

• natural philosopher, noun

Other Words From

• natural philosopher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of natural philosophy¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

Example Sentences

The French have a very natural philosophy about food and the taste is just delicious.

From The Daily Beast

Metaphysics and natural philosophy expressed the genius of Europe; he substricts the religion of Asia as the base.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet I found these men, in this instance, possessed of more practical natural philosophy than myself.

From Project Gutenberg

Geometry is desirable, not as a noble intellectual exercise, but as a handmaid to natural philosophy.

From Project Gutenberg

He taught Latin in the first two years, and natural philosophy in the third.

From Project Gutenberg

At twenty-two he was made professor of natural philosophy at Glasgow, and he held this position for more than fifty years.

From Project Gutenberg