Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

physics

American  
[fiz-iks] / ˈfɪz ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

  1. the science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force.

physics British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
physics Scientific  
/ 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 Cultural  

  1. The scientific study of matter and motion. (See mechanics, optics, quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics.)

Etymology

Origin of physics

First recorded in 1580–90; physic, -ics

Compare meaning

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"But physics doesn't change. The teardrop shape is very efficient from the aerodynamics perspective," said Hu.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

In his teens, he went on to join the air cadets youth programme, and to study space science and physics at university.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

At the same time, scientists are recognizing the limits of simpler models of early universe expansion, highlighting the need for approaches grounded in fundamental physics.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

To avoid creating and managing radioactive waste, TAE wants to use a fuel that requires far hotter plasmas than other fusion companies aim for, posing a bigger physics challenge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

It would seem that these two theories could live in harmony together, each dictating the rules of physics for different aspects of the universe.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.