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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to one recent scientific analysis that looked at 52 surveys among dermatologists, Thermage FLX was considered 57.4% more effective than older Thermage devices. Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 5 July 2025 People claiming that something worked for them is not the same as scientific evidence. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 The primary reason a houseplant bends or leans is due to phototropism, which is the scientific term for a plant’s tendency to grow towards the sunlight. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025 Research on trans athletes’ performance is scarce and no large-scale scientific studies have been conducted on it or on how hormone therapies may affect their performance in specific sports. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for scientific

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

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Cite this Entry

“Scientific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scientific. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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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