Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

physics

Pronunciation: /ˈfɪzɪks/
Translate physics | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of physics

noun

[treated as singular]
  • the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.
  • the physical properties and phenomena of something:the physics of plasmas

Origin:

late 15th century (denoting natural science in general, especially the Aristotelian system): plural of obsolete physic 'physical (thing'), suggested by Latin physica, Greek phusika 'natural things' from phusis 'nature'

physics in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of physics in the US English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …