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

In contrast, the author's machine learning algorithm is equipped with atmospheric physics equations that can produce more accurate results faster and with less data.

From Science Daily

In 1964, Marks became the first boy from Garw grammar school to win a place at Oxford University, where he studied physics.

From BBC

There are also implications for understanding the physics of water.

From Science Daily

Published in Nature Communications, the study, by scientists at the University of Birmingham, offers an important step towards achieving and controlling quantum materials with sought-after new properties that do not follow classical laws of physics.

From Science Daily

Dr. Djordje Minic, a professor of physics and particle and string theory at the University of Texas at Austin, isn’t so sure about these conclusions.

From Salon

Related Words

• biology