Full Idea
The word 'field' is simply a shorthand way of saying that a physical property is assigned to the points of space and time in a region.
Gist of Idea
A 'field' is just a region to which points can be assigned in space and time
Source
Brian R. Martin (Particle Physics [2011], 01)
Book Reference
Martin, Brian R.: 'Particle Physics' [One World 2011], p.11
A Reaction
This is disappointing because I had begun to think that fields were foundational for modern ontology. Turns out they are operational abstractions (according to Martin). Note that a field extends over time.
Related Idea
Idea 21212 The Higgs field, unlike others, has a nozero value in a state without particles [Martin,BR]