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

What remains immutable is the physics of computation itself: the energy required to power these systems. —Aya Saed, Time, 17 June 2025

Introduction Contributing Writer June 13, 2025 fundamental physics gravity physics quantum gravity space-time theoretical physics thermodynamics All topics Isaac Newton was never entirely happy with his law of universal gravitation. —George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 13 June 2025

This distant galaxy paints a terrifying picture A hidden solar cycle is awakening, but more extreme space weather over the next 50 years may not be a bad thing However, past studies have focused on the physics behind such an incident. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 June 2025

From Passive Cameras To Active At its core, physical AI merges computer vision, physics simulation and machine learning to teach machines cause and effect. —Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 13 June 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