Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Physic
Phys′ic
(fĭz′ĭk)
, Noun.
1.
The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine; – an archaic term, superseded by
medicine
. [archaic]
“A doctor of physik.” Chaucer.
2.
A specific internal application for the cure or relief of sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
3.
Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
4.
A physician.
[R.]
Shak.
Physic nut
(Bot.)
, a small tropical American euphorbiaceous tree (
Jatropha Curcas
), and its seeds, which are well flavored, but contain a drastic oil which renders them dangerous if eaten in large quantities.Phys′ic
(fĭz′ĭk)
, Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Physiced
(fĭz′ĭkt)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Physicking
(fĭz′ĭk-ĭng)
.] 1.
To treat with physic or medicine; to administer medicine to, esp. a cathartic; to operate on as a cathartic; to purge.
2.
To work on as a remedy; to heal; to cure.
The labor we delight in
physics
pain. Shakespeare
A mind diseased no remedy can
physic
. Byron.
Webster 1828 Edition
Physic
PHYS'IC
,Noun.
1.
The art of healing diseases. This is now generally called medicine.2.
Medicines; remedies for diseases. We desire physic only for the sake of health.3.
In popular language, a medicine that purges; a purge; a cathartic. [In technical and elegant language this sense is not used.]PHYS'IC
,Verb.
T.
1.
To cure.Definition 2025
physic
physic
English
Alternative forms
- physick (obsolete)
Adjective
physic (comparative more physic, superlative most physic)
Noun
physic (countable and uncountable, plural physics)
- (countable) A medicine or drug, especially a cathartic or purgative.
- (uncountable) The art or profession of healing disease; medicine.
- (obsolete) A physician.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)
Derived terms
Verb
physic (third-person singular simple present physics, present participle physicking, simple past and past participle physicked)