A polite euphemism for laxative. Adding -s- to physic makes it a science, which is a little prank of the English language not appreciated by physicists.

See also smirk, sniggle, guffaw, crestfallen.

Phys"ic (?), n. [OE. phisike, fisike, OF. phisique, F. physique knowledge of nature, physics, L. physica, physice, fr. Gr. , fr. natural, from nature, fr. to produce, grow, akin to E. be. See Be, and cf. Physics, Physique.]

1.

The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine.

<-- obsolete -- superseded by medicine --> "A doctor of physik."

Chaucer.

2.

A specific internal application for the cure or relief of sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.

3.

Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.

4.

A physician.

[R.]

Shak.

Physic nut Bot., a small tropical American euphorbiaceous tree (Jatropha Curcas), and its seeds, which are well flavored, but contain a drastic oil which renders them dangerous if eaten in large quantities.

 

© Webster 1913.


Phys"ic (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Physiced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Physicking (?).]

1.

To treat with physic or medicine; to administer medicine to, esp. a cathartic; to operate on as a cathartic; to purge.

2.

To work on as a remedy; to heal; to cure.

The labor we delight in physics pain. Shak.

A mind diseased no remedy can physic. Byron.

 

© Webster 1913.

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