A physicist is a scientist who studies matter, energy, and the basic laws that govern the universe.
From 'physics' plus the suffix '-ist' meaning 'a person who practices or is concerned with something'. 'Physics' itself comes from Greek 'physis' meaning 'nature'.
Physicists ask questions like, “What is time, really?” and “Why does anything exist at all?” Their equations quietly run the modern world—from GPS satellites and smartphones to lasers and nuclear power.
The term "physicist" emerged in a period when women were largely excluded from formal scientific institutions, and the stereotype of the physicist as male became entrenched in education and media. Women physicists’ contributions were often minimized or attributed to male colleagues.
Use "physicist" neutrally for people of any gender and avoid assuming a physicist is male. Highlight diverse examples in teaching and communication.
["physics researcher","physics scientist"]
Women physicists such as Lise Meitner, Chien-Shiung Wu, and many others advanced nuclear and particle physics while facing discrimination; explicitly naming them helps correct the historical record.
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