The spelling of the word "physic" can cause confusion due to its similarity to the word "physics". In phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈfɪzɪk/, with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling "physic" refers to a purgative or laxative medicine in English. Meanwhile, "physics" (/ˈfɪzɪks/) refers to the branch of science that deals with the study of matter, energy, and their interactions. Despite their similar pronunciation, these words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
Physic can be defined as both a noun and a verb, with different meanings in each case. As a noun, physic refers to a medicinal substance or preparation, typically in liquid form, used for treating illnesses, promoting health, or inducing physiological changes. It is commonly associated with traditional or historical medical practices. Historically, physicking or administering physic was considered to be a form of physical therapy aimed at purging impurities from the body and restoring balance.
As a verb, physic means to treat or heal with medicine, specifically through the administration of physic. It involves providing medical treatment or remedy, especially by giving a physic substance to an individual. This verb form is generally used in older or more traditional contexts, as contemporary medical terminology and practices have evolved beyond physicking.
The term "physic" traces its origins to the Latin word "physica," which means medicine. It shares its etymological root with the word "physician," denoting a medical practitioner. Today, "physic" is considered an archaic or obsolete term in modern medical language, as it has been largely replaced by more specific terms such as medication, treatment, remedy, or therapy. However, it may still be encountered in historical medical literature or discussions of traditional healing practices.
1. The art of medicine. 2. A medicine, especially a cathartic; drugs in general.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• The science or knowledge of medicine; the art of healing diseases; remedies for diseases; a medicine that purges; the profession of a physician.
• To treat with medicine; to purge; to heal.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "physic" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Latin word "physica" which means the natural science of matter and energy. This Latin term ultimately derives from the Ancient Greek word "physis" (φύσις), which also means nature.
In Middle English, the word "physic" was used to refer to natural science or natural philosophy, particularly in relation to the study of the physical world. It encompassed a wide range of subjects such as astronomy, chemistry, and biology. Over time, the meaning of the word began to narrow down to include only the branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of diseases through remedies rather than through surgery.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the practice of medicine evolved, and the term "physic" became more commonly associated with the concept of medicinal drugs or remedies.