'Physical astronomy' definitions:

Definition of 'Physical astronomy'

From: GCIDE
  • Physical \Phys"ic*al\ (f[i^]z"[i^]*kal), a.
  • 1. Of or pertaining to nature (as including all created existences); in accordance with the laws of nature; also, of or relating to natural or material things, or to the bodily structure, as opposed to things mental, moral, spiritual, or imaginary; material; natural; as, armies and navies are the physical force of a nation; the body is the physical part of man. [1913 Webster]
  • Labor, in the physical world, is . . . employed in putting objects in motion. --J. S. Mill. [1913 Webster]
  • A society sunk in ignorance, and ruled by mere physical force. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Of or pertaining to physics, or natural philosophy; treating of, or relating to, the causes and connections of natural phenomena; as, physical science; physical laws. "Physical philosophy." --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Perceptible through a bodily or material organization; cognizable by the senses; external; as, the physical, opposed to chemical, characters of a mineral. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Of or pertaining to physic, or the art of medicine; medicinal; curative; healing; also, cathartic; purgative. [Obs.] "Physical herbs." --Sir T. North. [1913 Webster]
  • Is Brutus sick? and is it physical To walk unbraced, and suck up the humors Of the dank morning? --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Physical astronomy, that part of astronomy which treats of the causes of the celestial motions; specifically, that which treats of the motions resulting from universal gravitation.
  • Physical education, training of the bodily organs and powers with a view to the promotion of health and vigor.
  • Physical examination (Med.), an examination of the bodily condition of a person.
  • Physical geography. See under Geography.
  • Physical point, an indefinitely small portion of matter; a point conceived as being without extension, yet having physical properties, as weight, inertia, momentum, etc.; a material point.
  • Physical signs (Med.), the objective signs of the bodily state afforded by a physical examination. [1913 Webster]