criminalistics

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​is·​tics ˌkri-mə-nə-ˈli-stiks How to pronounce criminalistics (audio)
ˌkrim-nə-ˈli-
plural in form but singular in construction
: application of scientific techniques in collecting and analyzing physical evidence in criminal cases

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of criminalistics was in 1910

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Cite this Entry

“Criminalistics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminalistics. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Legal Definition

criminalistics

noun plural but singular in construction
crim·​i·​nal·​is·​tics ˌkri-mə-nə-ˈlis-tiks How to pronounce criminalistics (audio)
: application of scientific techniques in collecting and analyzing physical evidence in criminal cases
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