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

Mary Tsingou Menzel, who has died at 97, played a central role in a Los Alamos physics experiment. — Miriam Waldvogel, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026

Joseph attended Harvard University on the GI bill and completed majors in math and physics in just three years. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Spatial layout requires fewer instructions Because the spatial layout requires fewer instructions, the quantum processor has enough operating capacity left over to run the actual physics calculations. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026

For video, the physics, the security rules and the economics get in the way. — Krish Kumar, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 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