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 Storm chasers, people who get dangerously close to extreme weather events, sometimes for scientific research, jump at the chance to pursue the ever-unpredictable tornado. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024 With a multipurpose layout, EXO-X is conducive to private exploration, charters, or even scientific expeditions. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024 The Asilomar guidelines not only paved the way for responsible scientific inquiry but also informed regulatory policies worldwide. Fadi Chehadé, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2024 In its ongoing review of marijuana’s scheduling under federal law, the D.E.A. should be forced to reckon not only with the scientific findings on medical marijuana but also with the myriad constitutional concerns raised by the government’s existing approach. David Pozen, TIME, 25 Apr. 2024 The crew will conduct more than 90 scientific experiments in orbit, including one that will try to establish a closed aquatic ecosystem with the minnows and a type of algae. John Ruwitch, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024 Studies using rat and mouse models have sought to answer basic scientific questions across diverse fields of inquiry: psychology, physiology, pathology, genetics. Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy Gabra Zackman Emma Kehlbeck Lance Neal, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024 From there, a registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy. Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2024 The three-person panel of scientific fatigue experts called on the agency to update its staffing models; centralize information about its management and tracking of fatigue risk; and require 10 to 12 hours between shifts. Lori Aratani The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 20 Apr. 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 2 May. 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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