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

The company says Amara allows users to generate editable, physics-aware environments in seconds, then modify every asset with natural language commands. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

In practice, that means opening a vast new window on unexplored physics, probing interactions previously far beyond the grasp of any laboratory tool. —New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2025

The coming flyby allows the chance for spacecraft to get up close and observe how interactions with Earth's gravitational field and magnetosphere influences and changes Apophis, boosting our understanding of asteroid physics. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2025

This challenge is essential for metallurgy, high-pressure physics, and phase transition studies. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 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