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

Last year, a group of researchers from leading AI firms founded Periodic Labs, which is focused on building AI to accelerate discoveries in areas like physics and chemistry. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 11 June 2026

And that's just one of his myriad achievements in mathematics, computer science, meteorology and physics. —Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

At its core, a musical note is a repeating vibration, says Mark van Raamsdonk, a physics professor at the University of British Columbia and an amateur jazz musician. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 10 June 2026

Horizon Run 5 is a simulation, not a telescope, and its results depend on the sub-grid physics used to model star formation, supernovas, and black hole feedback. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 9 June 2026

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