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Webster 1913 Edition


Physic

Phys′ic

(fĭz′ĭk)
,
Noun.
[OE.
phisike
,
fisike
, OF.
phisique
, F.
physique
knowledge of nature, physics, L.
physica
,
physice
, fr. Gr.
φυσική
, fr.
φυσικόσ
natural, from
φύσισ
nature, fr.
φύειν
to produce, grow, akin to E.
be
. See
Be
, and cf.
Physics
,
Physique
.]
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The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine; – an archaic term, superseded by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.
s as z. [Gr. from nature; to produce.]
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.
To treat with physic; to evacuate the bowels with a cathartic; to purge.
1.
To cure.

Definition 2024


physic

physic

English

Alternative forms

Adjective

physic (comparative more physic, superlative most physic)

  1. Relating to or concerning existent materials; physical.

Noun

physic (countable and uncountable, plural physics)

  1. (countable) A medicine or drug, especially a cathartic or purgative.
  2. (uncountable) The art or profession of healing disease; medicine.
  3. (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)

  1. (transitive) To cure or heal; to treat or administer medicine, especially to purge.