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physicist

B1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /fˈɪzɪsˌɪst/

US

  • /ˈfɪzɪsɪst/

Description

A physicist isn't just someone who knows about physics - they do physics. They are scientists who work to understand how the universe works at its most basic level, from tiny particles to huge galaxies. Think of Isaac Newton working out gravity or Marie Curie studying radioactivity - those are classic examples of physicists at work. You'll often find them in labs doing experiments, building theories, and expanding what we know. While "scientist" is a broad term, "physicist" points to someone whose main focus is the physical world around us.

A physicist might study things like light, sound, electricity, magnetism, or even the origins of the universe. They do not usually design bridges themselves; that is more often the job of an engineer. But they might help create the materials that make those bridges stronger and safer. You can find physicists working in universities, government research labs, and industries such as technology and medicine.

Examples

  1. 1

    Research lab

    My aunt is a physicist at a research lab.

  2. 2

    Medical technology

    The team hired two physicists to help design the new medical scanner.

  3. 3

    Theoretical physics

    She works as a theoretical physicist, building models of how tiny particles behave.

    • Meaning

      a theoretical physicist uses math and ideas more than experiments

  4. 4

    Experimental physics

    Experimental physicists often spend years building equipment before a test can begin.

    • Meaning

      an experimental physicist tests ideas with experiments

  5. 5

    Public explanation

    The physicist explained the discovery in plain English for the TV audience.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • physicistnoun

Forms

  • physicistspluralnoun