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 Beyond the physical science feasibility addressed in this paper, there will also be societal and ethical implications to consider. Justine Calma, The Verge, 21 Mar. 2024 According to the listing, candidates are required to do one of the following: Have a master's degree, Ph.D., or foreign equivalent, in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics from an accredited college or university. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Since Galileo’s time the physical sciences have leaped forward, explaining the workings of the tiniest quarks to the largest galaxy clusters. Dan Falk, Scientific American, 25 Sep. 2023 However, Brown is directing some of this donation — about $1 million a year — toward other fundamental physical science research efforts at Caltech. Maria De Mento, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2024 The five-year, $5 million grant supports the advancement of quantum information into a new generation of computers, detectors, and materials, as well as establishing the first graduate program in the physical sciences at UAPB, according to UAPB. Ryan Anderson, arkansasonline.com, 25 Dec. 2023 In fact, many of the physical sciences—such as astronomy and particle physics—rely on it as well, and can also suffer from replication difficulties. Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023 The physical science building is nestled in a forest, where slime molds bloom and trees tilt their leaves in obedience to their own circadian clocks. Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023 That very objective quality of the physical sciences was deemed more important, or that was my perspective. Rebecca Boyle, Scientific American, 24 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physical science.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of physical science was in 1705

Dictionary Entries Near physical science

Cite this Entry

“Physical science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20science. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on physical science

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