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physical science
noun
: any of the natural sciences (such as physics, chemistry, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials
physical scientist
noun
Examples of physical science in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
He’s known for using his in-depth knowledge of the natural and physical sciences to enhance his paintings and sculptures.
—Lily Carey, Discover Magazine, 23 May 2024
Beyond the physical science feasibility addressed in this paper, there will also be societal and ethical implications to consider.
—Justine Calma, The Verge, 21 Mar. 2024
According to the listing, candidates are required to do one of the following:
Have a master's degree, Ph.D., or foreign equivalent, in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics from an accredited college or university.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024
Since Galileo’s time the physical sciences have leaped forward, explaining the workings of the tiniest quarks to the largest galaxy clusters.
—Dan Falk, Scientific American, 25 Sep. 2023
However, Brown is directing some of this donation — about $1 million a year — toward other fundamental physical science research efforts at Caltech.
—Maria De Mento, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2024
The five-year, $5 million grant supports the advancement of quantum information into a new generation of computers, detectors, and materials, as well as establishing the first graduate program in the physical sciences at UAPB, according to UAPB.
—Ryan Anderson, arkansasonline.com, 25 Dec. 2023
In fact, many of the physical sciences—such as astronomy and particle physics—rely on it as well, and can also suffer from replication difficulties.
—Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
The physical science building is nestled in a forest, where slime molds bloom and trees tilt their leaves in obedience to their own circadian clocks.
—Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physical science.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1705, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near physical science
Cite this Entry
“Physical science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20science. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
physical science
noun
: any of the natural sciences (as physics, geology, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials
Medical Definition
physical science
noun
: any of the natural sciences (as physics, chemistry, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials
physical scientist
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on physical science
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about physical science
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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