physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfi-ziks How to pronounce physics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions
2
a
: the physical processes and phenomena of a particular system
b
: the physical properties and composition of something

Examples of physics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ring Sheared Drop — Continuing a multi-week fluids physics experiment, Nichole Ayers worked with an apparatus mounted inside a microgravity glove box in the U.S. Destiny Laboratory to see if surface tension can be used to isolate liquids from their containers' walls. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 June 2025 Some of the examples that had upwards of double the overall unemployment rate were physics (7.8%), computer engineering (7.5%), computer science (6.1%), chemistry (6.1%), and information systems and management (5.6%). Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 Quantum physics offers a master formula — the Schrödinger equation — for predicting how matter behaves. F.d. Flam, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025 Seemingly bending the laws of physics, Wood thumped an inside pitch to the left-field seats in a recent home game. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for physics

Word History

Etymology

Latin physica, plural, natural science, from Greek physika, from neuter plural of physikos of nature, from physis growth, nature, from phyein to bring forth — more at be

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of physics was in 1715

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Cite this Entry

“Physics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physics. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

physics

noun
phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks How to pronounce physics (audio)
1
: a science that deals with matter and energy and their actions upon each other in the fields of mechanics, heat, light, electricity, sound, and the atomic nucleus
2
: physical composition, characteristics, or processes
the physics of sound

Medical Definition

physics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks How to pronounce physics (audio)
: a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions in the fields of mechanics, acoustics, optics, heat, electricity, magnetism, radiation, atomic structure, and nuclear phenomena

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