physi
physi — combining form
1. relating to the natural processes and functions of living things; used at the st
relating to the natural processes and functions of living things; used at the start of scientific words about how organisms grow, develop, and work
Joon is studying physiology to understand how the human body’s systems work together.
physiology — study of body functions
The research team compared the physiology of desert plants with that of rainforest species.
Ancient Greek scholars developed physiognomy, the idea that facial features reveal character.
Sari’s course in exercise physiology covers how muscles respond to different training methods.
- nature
a standalone noun; physi- is the bound combining form that carries a similar meaning in compounds
文法句型
physi- + noun-forming suffix (-logy, -gnomy)
physi- + noun
用法筆記
This sense of physi- appears mainly in academic and scientific vocabulary. It is not used as a separate word but as the first part of longer terms.
常見錯誤
2. relating to treatment of the body through physical methods rather than drugs or
relating to treatment of the body through physical methods rather than drugs or surgery; used in the first part of words connected to body health and movement
After breaking her leg, Inês needed physiotherapy twice a week for three months.
physiotherapy — physical treatment after injury
The physiotherapist showed Owen a series of gentle exercises for his injured shoulder.
physiotherapist — a healthcare professional
Esteban credits physiotherapy with helping him walk again after a serious accident.
Many professional athletes visit a physiotherapist regularly to prevent training injuries.
- physical
an adjective; physi- is the bound combining form that conveys the same idea within compound words
文法句型
physi- + therapy
physi- + noun (-therapist)
用法筆記
In British English physiotherapy and physiotherapist are the common terms; in American English the equivalent is often physical therapy and physical therapist. The combining form physi- is not a free-standing word.