geophysics

noun

geo·​phys·​ics ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-ziks 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

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

geophysical

ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-zi-kəl 

adjective

geophysically

ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-zi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

geophysicist

ˌjē-ə-ˈfi-zə-sist 

noun

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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.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for geophysics

• astrophysics
• metaphysics
• physics
• tectonophysics

Kids Definition

geophysics

noun

geo·​phys·​ics ˌjē-ə-ˈfiz-iks 

: a science that deals with the physical processes occurring in or near the earth

geophysical

-i-kəl 

adjective

geophysicist

-ə-sist 

noun