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

Cyanobacteria, an ancient lineage of bacteria that perform photosynthesis, have been found to regulate their genes using the same physics principle used in AM radio transmission.

From Science Daily

But just as we can’t outrun the laws of physics that underlie global warming, we can’t afford more delay in ending the dangerous burning of fossil fuels.

From Los Angeles Times

Using an unconventional approach inspired by quantum physics, Rice engineer Gururaj Naik and his team designed a thermal emitter that can deliver high efficiencies within practical design parameters.

From Science Daily

The current best candidate for dark matter is the axion, a particle that fits nicely within the standard model of physics and solves several other outstanding puzzles in particle physics.

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

• biology