physical

Physical is an adjective describing matters related to the material world, the human body, or observable phenomena governed by the laws of physics. In everyday use it contrasts with mental or abstract qualities and is often paired with related nouns such as health, activity, or appearance.

In science, physical refers to properties or processes that can be observed or measured without altering the composition of a substance. Physical properties include mass, density, melting point, color, and conductivity. Physical sciences—such as physics, chemistry, and geology—study matter and energy and their interactions, as distinguished from the life sciences or social sciences. A physical change, for example, alters form or state without changing chemical identity.

In medicine and sport, physical denotes the body or bodily health: physical examination by a clinician, physical therapy, physical education, and physical fitness programs. Physical activity is any movement that expends energy, with benefits for cardiovascular health, strength, and well-being.

Philosophically, physicality is often discussed in terms of physicalism—the view that everything that exists is physical or dependent on physical processes—and the contrast between physical and mental phenomena.