scientific

adjective

sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of scientific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The team plans to publish the work in a scientific journal, but the research hasn’t yet undergone peer review. Katie Hunt, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 But in the absence of conclusions, conspiracy theories have flourished, even as scientists and independent investigators made the case that optical illusions, weather phenomena, scientific balloons or drones were reasonable causes of nearly all of the unexplained incidents. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Tintori cautioned that the type of tiny nematodes collected at the site (scientific name Oscheius tipulae) are pretty resilient to changes in environmental factors. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 The Artemis missions seek to map out the lunar surface better than ever before while also establishing a long-term presence on the moon, a quest for scientific discovery and potential economic benefit. Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 There also has to be a disclaimer or qualification to clearly communicate the level of scientific support to consumers. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2024 While the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in relieving stress and insomnia isn’t strong, an association between magnesium intake and improvements in depression, anxiety and migraine headaches is evident, according to experts. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Some scientists say the creation of the specialized elephant stem cells is a noteworthy scientific achievement. Rob Stein, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 There is a whiff of the scientific, or scientistic, about it. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scientific.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scientific was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near scientific

Cite this Entry

“Scientific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scientific. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or rules of science
scientifically adverb

Medical Definition

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science
scientifically adverb

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