| physical anthropology |
the branch of anthropology concerned with the evolutionary development of humans, physical differences between races, and classifications. (Cf. cultural anthropology.) |
| physical chemistry |
a branch of chemistry in which physical principles and techniques are applied to the analysis of chemical properties and transformations. |
| physical comedy |
comedic performance that uses the body to express exaggerated emotional states. |
| physical dependence |
a body's adaptation to a chronically-used drug such that withdrawal of the drug results in adverse physical symptoms. |
| physical education |
instruction in sports, exercise, and the care and hygiene of the human body, esp. as a course or program in a school or college. |
| physical geography |
the branch of geography concerned with the earth's land masses, oceans, and climate, and the distribution of plant and animal species. |
| physicalism |
the doctrine or belief that the essential elements of meaningful statements are only those relating to physical properties or observations of objects or events. |
| physically |
in, with, or by means of the body. |
| physical science |
any science, such as chemistry, physics, astronomy, or geology, that deals with inanimate matter or energy. |
| physical therapy |
the treatment of disease and injury by physical and mechanical means, such as exercise, heat, ultraviolet or infrared light, hydrotherapy, or massage, rather than by drugs; physiotherapy. |
| physical tolerance |
a bodily state in which, with repeated exposure to a drug over time, a higher dose of the drug is required to achieve the same effect. |
| physician |
a licensed medical doctor, esp. one who is not a surgeon. [2 definitions] |
| physician's assistant |
one who is certified to do certain medical procedures under the supervision of a medical doctor. |
| physicist |
a scientist whose specialty is physics. |
| physics |
(used with a sing. verb) the science that deals with matter and energy, their properties, and their interactions. [2 definitions] |
| physio- |
nature. [2 definitions] |
| physiognomy |
the facial or surface features of a person or other living creature. [2 definitions] |
| physiography |
the science that deals with the natural features, structure, and phenomena of the earth's surface, such as climate and the distribution of plants and animals; physical geography. |
| physiological |
of or relating to the vital processes or functions of a living organism or its parts. |
| physiology |
the science that deals with the processes and functions of living organisms and their cells, tissues, and parts. [2 definitions] |
| physiotherapy |
the treatment of disease, defects, or injuries by mechanical means, such as massage, exercise, or the application of heat; physical therapy. |