An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions.

Etymology (EN): M.E. fisyk(e), phisik(e), from O.Fr. fisique, from L. physica (fem. sing.) “study of nature,” from Gk. physike episteme “knowledge of nature,” from fem. of physikos “pertaining to nature,” from physis “nature,” from phyein “to bring forth, produce, make to grow,”
Gk. phy- “to become;” L. fui “I was,” futurus “that is to be, future;” Ger. present first and second person sing. bin, bist; E. to be; O.Ir. bi’u “I am;” Lith. bu’ti “to be;” Rus. byt’ “to be.”

Etymology (PE): Loan from Fr. physique, as above.