physic

1 of 2

noun

phys·​ic ˈfi-zik How to pronounce physic (audio)
Synonyms of physicnext
1
a
: the art or practice of healing disease
b
: the practice or profession of medicine
2
: a medicinal agent or preparation
especially : purgative
3
archaic : natural science

physic

2 of 2

verb

physicked; physicking

transitive verb

1
: to treat with or administer medicine to
especially : purge
2
: heal, cure

Synonyms

Noun

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of physic in a Sentence

Noun the museum has an exhibit on some of the strange physics that were once used to cure disease

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English physik natural science, art of medicine, from Anglo-French phisique, fisik, from Latin physica, singular, natural science, from Greek physikē, from feminine of physikos — more at physics

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of physic was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near physic

physiatry

physic

physical

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Physic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

physic

noun
phys·​ic
ˈfiz-ik
: a remedy for disease
especially : a strong laxative

Medical Definition

physic

1 of 2 noun
phys·​ic ˈfiz-ik How to pronounce physic (audio)
1
a
: the art or practice of healing disease
b
: the practice or profession of medicine
2
: a medicinal agent or preparation
especially : purgative

physic

2 of 2 transitive verb
physicked; physicking
: to treat with or administer medicine to
especially : purge
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