physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfi-ziks How to pronounce physics (audio)
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 But current research in quantum physics finds that no such separation is possible. The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Because, just as in physics, there is for every action an equal and opposite counter-reaction in economics as well, the tariffs that other countries subsequently imposed on our own products definitely hurt American jobs. The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Edward Rhoads, lecturer in physics at the School of Science at IU Indianapolis, said the path of totality refers to the area experiencing a full eclipse. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 Denis Vida, a Ph.D. associate in meteor physics at Western University in Canada, said on X the asteroid measured about one meter end-to-end and probably dropped some meteorites on the ground. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 In physics, a singularity is a point in reality where the rules break down, and rapid expansion of the fabric of space-time can occur. Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024 The retired physics professor was sitting in an emergency room in Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s Yukon territory, where two doctors and a pharmacist were taking an unusual amount of interest in the appendage and the pink blisters that now covered it. Jason Mast, STAT, 16 Feb. 2024 Michael Jennings, 75, who was raised in northeastern Ohio, graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in physics in 1970. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2024 Sloan Research Fellows are chosen in seven scientific and technical fields—chemistry, computer science, Earth system science, economics, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of physics was in 1715

Dictionary Entries Near physics

Cite this Entry

“Physics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physics. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

physics

noun
phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks How to pronounce physics (audio)
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 How to pronounce physics (audio)
: 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
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