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

Solid-state physics in its early days was just an esoteric exercise to satisfy curiosity. — Mattanjah De Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

If the engineering physics were perfect—and engineering physics are never perfect—a lunar crew could use just one spacecraft to get to the moon, land, blast back off, and return home. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 28 Oct. 2026

Having a multisensor suite provides obvious safety advantages that physics simply demands. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026

Yesterday the company dropped three massive proofs that touched on math, physics and computer science, sending shockwaves rippling through those fields. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 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