physics
[ fiz-iks ]
/ ˈfɪz ɪks /
noun (used with a singular verb)
the science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force.
Words nearby physics
Definition for physics (2 of 2)
physic
[ fiz-ik ]
/ ˈfɪz ɪk /
noun
a medicine that purges; cathartic; laxative.
any medicine; a drug or medicament.
Archaic.
the medical art or profession.
Obsolete.
natural science.
verb (used with object), phys·icked, phys·ick·ing.
to treat with or act upon as a physic or medicine.
to work upon as a medicine does; relieve or cure.
Origin of physic
1250–1300; (noun) Middle English
fisyk(e),
phisik(e) (< Old French
fisique) < Latin
physica natural science (Medieval Latin: medical science) < Greek
physikḗ science of nature, noun use of feminine adj.: pertaining to nature (akin to
phŷlon tribe,
phylon); (v.) Middle English, derivative of the noun
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH physic
physic physiqueExample sentences from the Web for physics
British Dictionary definitions for physics (1 of 2)
physics
/ (ˈfɪzɪks) /
noun (functioning as singular)
the branch of science concerned with the properties of matter and energy and the relationships between them. It is based on mathematics and traditionally includes mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics, and heat. Modern physics, based on quantum theory, includes atomic, nuclear, particle, and solid-state studies. It can also embrace applied fields such as geophysics and meteorology
physical properties of behaviour
the physics of the electron
archaic
natural science or natural philosophy
Word Origin for physics
C16: from Latin
physica, translation of Greek
ta phusika natural things, from
phusis nature
British Dictionary definitions for physics (2 of 2)
physic
/ (ˈfɪzɪk) /
noun
rare
a medicine or drug, esp a cathartic or purge
archaic
the art or skill of healing
an archaic term for physics (def. 1)
verb -ics, -icking or -icked
(tr) archaic
to treat (a patient) with medicine
Derived forms of physic
physicky, adjectiveWord Origin for physic
C13: from Old French
fisique, via Latin, from Greek
phusikē, from
phusis nature
Medical definitions for physics (1 of 2)
physics
[ fĭz′ĭks ]
n.
The science of matter and energy and of interactions between the two, grouped in traditional fields such as acoustics, optics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, as well as in modern extensions including atomic and nuclear physics, cryogenics, solid-state physics, particle physics, and plasma physics.
Physical properties, interactions, processes, or laws.
Medical definitions for physics (2 of 2)
physic
[ fĭz′ĭk ]
n.
A medicine or drug, especially a cathartic.
Scientific definitions for physics
physics
[ fĭz′ĭks ]
The scientific study of matter, energy, space, and time, and of the relations between them.
The behavior of a given physical system, especially as understood by a physical theory.
Cultural definitions for physics
physics
The scientific study of matter and motion. (See mechanics, optics, quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics.)