physical science

noun

: any of the natural sciences (such as physics, chemistry, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials

physical scientist noun

Examples of physical science in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Thoreau who built literary castles in the air put the solid foundations of physical science beneath them. — Robert M. Thorson, The Conversation, 8 May 2026

For the two-week trip, Vast put a call out for research proposals and will focus on biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, human research and technology demonstrations. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026

Earlier empiricists like Locke and Francis Bacon believed that the physical sciences should still be grounded partly in metaphysical belief. — Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026

Lee Billings is a science journalist specializing in astronomy, physics, planetary science, and spaceflight and is senior desk editor for physical science at Scientific American. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for physical science

• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance

Kids Definition

physical science

noun

: any of the natural sciences (as physics, geology, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials

Medical Definition

physical science

noun

: any of the natural sciences (as physics, chemistry, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials

physical scientist noun