physical change

[ fiz-i-kuhl cheynj ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a usually reversible change in the physical properties of a substance, as size or shape:

   Freezing a liquid is a physical change.

Word History and Origins

Origin of physical change¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

The massive physical changes to the body during pregnancy are well known but much less is understood about how and why the brain changes.

From BBC

Exhausted and resentful, she begins to notice bizarre physical changes — a heightened sense of smell, a patch of fur on her back.

From Los Angeles Times

As her frustration and anger build, Mother starts to notice some strange physical changes: a heightened sense of smell, a craving for raw meat, a patch of thick white fur on her lower back.

From Los Angeles Times

But it wasn’t the physical changes that were absorbing her the most.

From BBC

Beyond the physical changes, joining the group “made me realize that maybe I could live longer.”

From Los Angeles Times