-ics

- 3 dictionary results

-ics

a suffix of nouns that denote a body of facts, knowledge, principles, etc., usually corresponding to adjectives ending in -ic or -ical: ethics; physics; politics; tactics.

Origin:
pl. of -ic, repr. L -ica (< Gk -ika, neut. pl. of -ikos), as in rhētórica (pl.) rhetoric book

Usage note:
Nouns ending in -ics that name fields of study, sciences, arts, professions, or the like are usually not preceded by an article and are used with a singular verb: Acoustics (the science) deals with sound. Politics (the art of government) fascinates me. In certain uses, often when preceded by a determiner like the, his, her, or their, most of these nouns can take a plural verb: The acoustics (the sound-reflecting qualities) of the hall are splendid. Their politics (political opinions) have antagonized everyone.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Link To -ics

-ics
suff.

Science, art, study, or knowledge of, or skill in: photonics.
Actions, activities, or practices of: athletics.
Qualities or operations of: mechanics.

[-ic + -s¹ (translation of Greek -ika, from neuter pl. of -ikos, adj. suff).]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

-ics suff.

Science; art; study; knowledge; skill: pharmaceutics.
Actions, activities, or practices of: macrobiotics.

Search another word or see -ics on Thesaurus | Reference

»fricative
»nostrum

»coronal
»gongoozler

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