physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfi-ziks 

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

Experiment with wave physics in a bottle or a tray, or bring different floating and sinking toys to learn about density. —Heather Wence, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025

The color is down to something called Rayleigh scattering — the same physics that explains why a sunset looks orange. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

The other five Nobel Prize categories are physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in economic sciences. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 9 July 2025

Julia will be studying physics and wants to pursue a science career. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing physics

• high-energy physics
• particle physics

Rhymes for physics

• astrophysics
• geophysics
• metaphysics
• tectonophysics

Kids Definition

physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks 

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 

: 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