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

Awe rides along within the fascinations of physics. —Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025

Some also believe that video models are the key to ushering in artificial general intelligence, or AGI—ultra-smart AI that understands physics perfectly, and thus can move seamlessly through the world. —Andrew R. Chow, Time, 20 Oct. 2025

His parents were Kurt Steinberg, a lawyer and judge, and Alice Gumprich Steinberg, who had a PhD in physics and chemistry. —David Moin, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025

No wonder our experts rate Lenovo laptops highly in their reviews, and this physics defying laptop is no different. —PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 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