Archaic term used from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period to refer to Western physics. Replaced by 物理学 in modern Japanese.
In books from the end of the Edo period, the word 窮理学 is used to refer to Western physics.
Modern standard term for physics. 窮理学 is its archaic predecessor.
Historical kanji form used from late Edo to early Meiji for Western physics.
Variant kanji form; less common than 窮理学.
Coined in Japan as a translation of Western 'physics', combining 窮理 (investigation of principles) and 学 (study). The exact derivation is uncertain; it fell out of use after 物理学 became standard.