The term "hard science" refers to a field of study that relies on empirical evidence, quantitative analysis, and mathematical models to explain phenomena. Synonyms for this term include "natural science," "exact science," "physical science," and "formal science." Natural science encompasses biology, chemistry, and physics, while exact science includes mathematics and statistics. Physical science deals with the study of inanimate matter, whereas formal science is concerned with the study of abstract objects, such as logic, mathematics, and computer science. These synonyms all refer to disciplines that rely on systematic observation and experimentation, as well as mathematical and computational analysis, to advance knowledge and understanding of the natural world.