astrophysics

IPA/ˌæstrəʊˈfɪzɪks/
KK[ˌæstrofˈɪzɪks]IPA/ˌæstrəʊˈfɪzɪks/

astrophysics — noun

1. the study of stars, planets, galaxies, and similar bodies beyond Earth by using

1.nounC1
Definition

the study of stars, planets, galaxies, and similar bodies beyond Earth by using physics to explain how they form, move, and change

Example

At university, Bilal chose astrophysics because he loved studying black holes.

choose astrophysics at university

Naoko reads astrophysics papers about how planets form around young stars.

astrophysics papers

Common collocations
  • study astrophysics
  • astrophysics class
  • astrophysics research
  • astrophysics department
  • theoretical astrophysics
Synonyms
  • astronomy

    broader field that includes observing and describing space, not only explaining it with physics

  • cosmology

    narrower field focused on the origin and structure of the universe as a whole

  • space science

    broader practical label that can include satellites and space missions as well as theory

Usage Note

Usually uncountable and used for the subject itself: say study astrophysics or an astrophysics class. Astronomy is broader, while astrophysics focuses on explaining space with physics.

Common Mistakes

Bilal wants to study astrophysic at university.
Bilal wants to study astrophysics at university.
The subject name ends in -s and is not shortened.
Naoko is an astrophysics at the observatory.
Naoko is an astrophysicist at the observatory.
astrophysics is the subject; astrophysicist is the person.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Astrophysics is narrower than astronomy. Astronomy can include observing, describing, and measuring things in space, while astrophysics focuses on using physics to explain how those things work. Cosmology is narrower in a different way, because it looks at the universe as a whole, including its origin and large-scale structure. Physics is much broader than astrophysics: it studies matter, force, energy, and motion everywhere, not only in space. Use astrophysics when the topic is space explained through physics, as in 'She is doing astrophysics research on black holes.'

astronomy ↗cosmology ↗physics ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • astrophysics class
  • astrophysics student
  • astrophysics research
  • astrophysics department
  • astrophysics professor

Phrases

  • study astrophysics
  • teach astrophysics
  • major in astrophysics

Prepositions

  • in astrophysics

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

Astrophysics was formed in modern English from astro- and physics. The first part comes from Greek astron, meaning 'star', and the second part comes through Latin from Greek physis, meaning 'nature'. Together they name the study of space by using the ideas and methods of physics.