phys.

Noun

physics

1. (plural, plural-only, uncountable) The branch of science concerned with the study of the properties and interactions of space, time, matter and energy.
   • Newtonian physics was extended by Einstein to explain the effects of travelling near the speed of light; quantum physics extends it to account for the behaviour of atoms.
2. (plural, plural-only, uncountable) The physical aspects of a phenomenon or a system, especially those examined or studied scientifically.
   • The physics of car crashes would not let Tom Cruise walk away like that.

Adjective

physical (comparative more physical, superlative most physical)

1. (obsolete) Pertaining to the field of medicine; medical.
2. (obsolete) That practises medicine; pertaining to doctors, physicianly.
   • Her father was thrown from his horse, when his blood was in a very inflammatory state, and the bruises were very dangerous; his recovery was not expected by the physical tribe.1788, Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary: A Fiction
3. (obsolete) Medicinal; good for the health, curative, therapeutic.
   • Phisicall [translating φαρμακώδεις (pharmakṓdeis)] herbes, as Helleborum, Lingewort, or Beares foote.1579, Thomas North, translating Pliny, Parallel Lives
4. Pertaining to the world as understood through the senses rather than the mind, having to do with the material world.
   • It's not so much a physical place as a state of mind.
5. In accordance with the laws of nature; now specifically, pertaining to physics.
   • The substance has a number of interesting physical properties.
6. Denoting a map showing natural features of the landscape (compare political).

See all 12 meanings of physical