physical change
4
3.4
- noun
- Specialized
:
cambio físico
- Enormous biological and physical changes are taking place in this world, which will change life in ways we cannot imagine.
- chemical and physical change
- undergo a physical change
Examples
-
And you could literally see the physical change in Maya.
-
"But we also know that there are certain physical changes that are virtually inevitable as you age."
Academic text (2005) -
"I am able to talk about the physical changes during puberty and make them understand their own bodies.
Academic text (2006) -
In middle school, children pass through some of the most turbulent emotional and physical changes of their lives.
Academic text (1996) -
Certain physical changes are becoming evident too, and they will require cosmetic surgery.
Fiction book (2000) -
Changes in body image as a result of physical changes emerged as an issue threatening women's identity.
Academic text (2009) -
During puberty, early adolescents undergo a number of hormonal and physical changes.
Academic text (2005) -
She observed a noticeable physical change in her body after starting the new exercise program.
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The physical change of the puppy as it grew into a dog was quite remarkable and heartwarming.
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During the experiment, they recorded each physical change in the substance as it was heated.
Synonyms
1
4.1
A material that moves from solid to liquid or gas without making a new substance
1
5.5
A change when a material goes from one state to another without a chemical change, like ice melting
A process where matter moves between solid, liquid, and gas without a chemical reaction
How Much
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a change in physical state or appearance' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'physical' (relating to material/tangible properties) with 'change' (to alter). This is a straightforward compositional phrase that is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will generally grasp it (though detailed distinction from a 'chemical change' is a subject-specific nuance).
Etymology
The phrase physical change comes from simple, visible scenes like ice melting or water boiling: the physical look or state of a thing changes, but the substance stays the same. So physical change means 'a change that does not make a new substance'.