scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic | \ ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik How to pronounce scientific (audio) \

Definition of scientific

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

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Other Words from scientific

scientifically \ ˌsī-​ən-​ˈti-​fi-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce scientifically (audio) \ adverb

Examples of scientific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because of its national program bolstering scientific education in universities, China is now a powerhouse for high-tech research. David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, "What You Need to Know About the South China Sea, the World's Next Hot Spot," 27 Feb. 2019 Jurors heard competing scientific viewpoints on whether 70-year-old California resident Edwin Hardeman developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma because of decadeslong Roundup use on his property. Ruth Bender, WSJ, "Lawyers Spar Over Science at Start of Second Roundup Weedkiller Trial," 25 Feb. 2019 There’s a global archive of satellite imagery, too. Want more scientific details? Erin Blakemore, The Seattle Times, "Seeking the big picture of our planet? Check out satellite images on NOAA’s website.," 19 Feb. 2019 On the set Previous SlideNext Slide A means of interstellar travel is the first scientific challenge any show like The Orville faces. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "The Orville blends science fiction and science fact into a winning mix," 29 Dec. 2018 There's also some scientific research indicating that due to the short wavelengths of cooler colors and how our cones perceive them, greens and blues are the most relaxing to our eyes. Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "14 Calming Paint Colors That Will Change the Way You Live," 9 Jan. 2019 Nathan Treff, chief scientific officer of Genomic Prediction, says the company is only offering risk predictions involving disease and has no plans to predict an embryo’s eye color or level of educational attainment. Amy Dockser Marcus, WSJ, "Is It Ethical to Choose Your Baby’s Eye Color?," 2 Oct. 2018 In June, Greg Orton, a climbing guidebook author and retired soil scientist, completed a draft scientific literature review and management guide for peregrines. Ula Chrobak, Outside Online, "We're Overprotecting Birds at the Expense of Climbers," 12 July 2018 Despite the influx of cash, gene mining won’t be a cure-all for the drug industry, says Terry Roemer, chief scientific officer of Prokaryotics Inc. Peter Andrey Smith, Bloomberg.com, "This Fungus Could Help Cure Cancer," 4 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scientific.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of scientific

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for scientific

Medieval Latin scientificus producing knowledge, from Latin scient-, sciens + -i- + -ficus -fic

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Last Updated

6 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for scientific

The first known use of scientific was in 1645

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More Definitions for scientific

scientific

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of scientific

: of or relating to science
: done in an organized way that agrees with the methods and principles of science

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic | \ ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik How to pronounce scientific (audio) \

Kids Definition of scientific

1 : relating to science or scientists scientific theories
2 : using or applying the methods of science scientific research

Other Words from scientific

scientifically \ -​ˈti-​fi-​kə-​lē \ adverb

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic | \ ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio) \

Medical Definition of scientific

: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science

Other Words from scientific

scientifically \ -​i-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce scientifically (audio) \ adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on scientific

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with scientific

Spanish Central: Translation of scientific

Nglish: Translation of scientific for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of scientific for Arabic Speakers

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