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

The 244 sightings of Chinese government vessels – ships belonging to the China Coast Guard, scientific research agencies and others – was more than four times the number seen in July 2025, Taiwan’s coast guard said. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Scolnic says that the new observatory could fundamentally change the scientific model that astronomers use to understand our universe. — Joe Palca, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

For decades after India’s independence, suspicion of the United States permeated the Indian political class, defense establishment, bureaucracy, and scientific community. — C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026

The purple gallinule, known by its scientific name, Porphyrio martinica, is mostly found around the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and parts of South America, but they are known to wander far outside their normal range. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

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
• scientific theory
• the scientific method

Rhymes for scientific

• horrific
• pacific
• prolific
• salvific
• specific
• terrific
• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• soporific

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