physic
pronunciation
How to pronounce physic in British English:
UK ['fɪzɪk]
How to pronounce physic in American English:
US ['fɪzɪk]
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- Noun:
- a purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels
Word Origin
- physic (n.)
- c. 1300, fysike, "art of healing, medical science," also "natural science" (c. 1300), from Old French fisike "natural science, art of healing" (12c.) and directly from Latin physica (fem. singular of physicus) "study of nature," from Greek physike (episteme) "(knowledge) of nature," from fem. of physikos "pertaining to nature," from physis "nature," from phyein "to bring forth, produce, make to grow" (related to phyton "growth, plant," phyle "tribe, race," phyma "a growth, tumor") from PIE root *bheue- "to be exist, grow" (see be). Spelling with ph- attested from late 14c. (see ph). As a noun, "medicine that acts as a laxative," 1610s. The verb meaning "to dose with medicine" is attested from late 14c.
Example
- 1. I 'm afraid physic will always be a closed book to me .
- 2. This is certainly a great discovery in physic .
- 3. Mr. smith gave a talk about modern physic .
- 4. I unsuccessful in physic exam .
- 5. Physic is my best subject .