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geophysics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
geo·​phys·​ics | \ ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-ziks How to pronounce geophysics (audio) \

Definition of geophysics

: a branch of earth science dealing with the physical processes and phenomena occurring especially in the earth and in its vicinity
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Other Words from geophysics

geophysical \ ˌjē-​ə-​ˈfi-​zi-​kəl How to pronounce geophysical (audio) \ adjective
geophysically \ ˌjē-​ə-​ˈfi-​zi-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce geophysically (audio) \ adverb
geophysicist \ ˌjē-​ə-​ˈfi-​zə-​sist How to pronounce geophysicist (audio) \ noun

Did You Know?

Geophysics applies the principles of physics to the study of the Earth. It deals with such things as the movement of the Earth's crust and the temperatures of its interior. Another subject is the behavior of the still-mysterious geomagnetic field. Some geophysicists seek out deposits of ores or petroleum; others specialize in earthquakes; still others study the water beneath the Earth's surface, where it collects and how it flows.

Examples of geophysics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Surface geophysics experiments deployed by Apollo missions showed that compared with the terrestrial planets, the moon’s core comprises a very small portion of its volume compared with the terrestrial planets—just 25 percent of its total radius. — Erica Jawin, Scientific American, "Apollo’s Bounty: The Science of the Moon Rocks," 2 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'geophysics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of geophysics

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for geophysics

International Scientific Vocabulary

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Statistics for geophysics

Last Updated

6 Jul 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for geophysics

The first known use of geophysics was circa 1889

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More Definitions for geophysics

geophysics

noun
How to pronounce geophysics (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of geophysics

: a branch of science that deals with the physical movements and forces of the Earth (such as its climate and oceans)

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More from Merriam-Webster on geophysics

Nglish: Translation of geophysics for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of geophysics for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about geophysics

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