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

Lisa Carnell, the director of the biological and physical sciences division at NASA, told ABC News that these experiments serve as a starting point for future research beyond low Earth orbit, including to the moon and beyond. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

Among the artistic practices highlighted will be those that center physical science, astronomy, geology, spirituality, mythology, and abstraction. — News Desk, Artforum, 25 Aug. 2026

Again, while nuclear gets the lion’s share of attention, physical science shows that heat waves reduce output and accelerate wear across essentially all forms of power generation. — Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

To maintain eligibility, these systems must successfully execute complex calculations tied to specific physical sciences, focusing heavily on plasma physics, high-energy physics, materials science, and molecular chemistry. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for physical science

• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance

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