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 prevailing scientific consensus is that RNA arose before DNA in early life, making ribose a key piece in theories about how life began. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Dec. 2025

These brokers share information on where to find unemployment benefits or how to sign petitions calling for scientific independence. —Anne Pisor, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025

San Francisco's lawsuit cites several scientific studies on the negative impact of ultraprocessed foods on human health. —NPR, 3 Dec. 2025

The plan, for example, includes proposals to outsource some of the agency’s role in scientific research. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025

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
• the scientific method

Rhymes for scientific

• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• soporific
• subspecific
• transpacific
• unspecific
• horrific
• pacific
• prolific

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