Physic

Do not confuse physic with the modern subject of Physics. This was originally the study of non-human natural phenomena, or what is now sometimes called Natural Science[s]. The current meaning is the particular branch of Natural Sciences that deals with non-living matter and energy, that is things outside the subjects of Biology and Chemistry. See also -ics.

And do not confuse physic (pronounced 'FIZZ-ick', IPA: /'fɪz ɪk/ with physique ('fizz-EEK', IPA: /fɪz 'iːk/. In Present-day English, Physique means simply "The form, size, and development of a person's body; the characteristic appearance or physical powers of an individual or people" (OED, meaning 3.).

The word Physic is an obsolete term. It is broadly the equivalent, before the eighteenth century, of the post-eighteenth century word 'medicine'.

• As a noun, physic can be:
  • A medicine or form of therapy
  • The study or practice of medicine
  • The medical profession
• As a verb, physic is rarer. The basic meaning is
  • To treat someone for an illness
  • More figuratively, to 'cure' (or attempt to cure) things other than illness, such as a business or other organisation which is not doing well
• Physic is rarest as an adjective (listed as obsolete in OED), when it means
  • medicinal, 'having the qualities of a medicine', '[purporting to] cure'.

You may also want to see AWE's page on physician and physicist.

All meanings of physic listed in OED are classified as obsolete, archaic or historical.