Possible

Possible

Possible (/ˈpɒsɪbəl/; from Latin possibilis) refers to something that can be done or achieved, or that can exist. The term is used in various fields, including medicine, philosophy, and physics.

Etymology

The term possible originates from the Latin word possibilis, which means "that can be done". It is derived from posse, "to be able", and -ibilis, a suffix that forms adjectives of capability or susceptibility.

Medical Usage

In medicine, the term possible is often used to describe a diagnosis or condition that could be present based on the symptoms, but further testing is needed to confirm. For example, a doctor might say that a patient has a possible case of pneumonia based on their cough and fever, but they would need to conduct a chest X-ray to be sure.

Related terms in medicine include probable, which indicates a higher likelihood than possible, and confirmed, which means the condition has been definitively diagnosed.

Philosophy

In philosophy, possible refers to something that could potentially exist or occur, even if it does not currently or actually. This concept is central to discussions of modal logic, which deals with the logic of possibility and necessity.

Physics

In physics, possible refers to a state or event that can occur according to the laws of physics. For example, it is possible for an electron to be in multiple places at once according to the principles of quantum mechanics.

Related terms in physics include probable, which refers to the likelihood of a particular outcome in a quantum system, and deterministic, which refers to systems in which outcomes are precisely determined by their initial conditions.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Possible
• Wikipedia's article - Possible

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