scientific

adjective

sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik 

1

: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science

2

: conducted in the manner of science or according to results of investigation by science : practicing or using thorough or systematic methods

scientific advertising

scientific baby care

a scientific boxer

scientifically

ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of scientific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like all scientific disciplines, medicine constantly evolves as new knowledge and evidence emerge—especially in areas with a relatively brief history, such as gender-affirming care. —Ge Bai, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Why not get scientific about the proofing process for your Parker House rolls? —Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appétit, 1 Nov. 2024

The events saw the CIA, in wanting to find out the scientific capabilities of the Soviets, intercept and abscond with a space probe, study its secrets and return it without the other side knowing what had occurred. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024

Lux Capital recently launched Lux Labs, a platform and strategy devoted to helping scientific ideas move from labs into real-world settings. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French and Medieval Latin; Middle French sientifique, scientifique, borrowed from Medieval Latin scientificus "producing knowledge, relating to knowledge" (translating Greek epistēmonikós), from Latin scientia "knowledge, science" + -ficus -fic

Note: The Medieval Latin transition in sense from "producing knowledge" to "relating to knowledge" (in the text of a translation of Aristotle's Posterior Analytics) is described in detail in the Oxford English Dictionary, third edition.

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scientific

• scientific creationism
• scientific method
• scientific notation
• the scientific method

Kids Definition

scientific

adjective

sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik 

: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or rules of science

scientifically

-ˈtif-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

scientific

adjective

sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik 

: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science

scientifically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb