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

Each structure underwent physics analysis to ensure it could be built in the real world. —ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025

But across the state, other institutions including Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County have also developed robust quantum physics programs. —Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Fulfilling the dream of medieval alchemists, physicists have observed the transmutation of lead into gold—through nuclear physics at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's most powerful particle accelerator. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

This smooth break, with concentric wavelike ripples, is defined by the physics of how force moves through different materials. —John K. Murray, The Conversation, 7 May 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