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| n. 1. (used with a sing. verb) 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 quantum mechanics, relativity theory, cryogenics, solid-state physics, particle physics, and plasma physics. 2. (used with a pl. verb) Physical properties, interactions, processes, or laws: the physics of supersonic flight. 3. (used with a sing. verb) Archaic The study of the natural or material world and phenomena; natural philosophy. [From Latin physica, from Greek (ta) phusika, (the things) of nature, from neuter pl. of phusikos; see PHYSIC.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
n. 1. A medicine or drug, especially a cathartic. 2. Archaic The art or profession of medicine. tr.v. phys·icked, phys·ick·ing, phys·ics 1. To act on as a cathartic. 2. To cure or heal. 3. To treat with or as if with medicine. [Middle English phisik, from Old French fisique, medical science, natural science, from Latin, natural science, from Greek phusikē, feminine of phusikos, of nature, from phusis, nature; see bheuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
