scientific

adjective sci·en·tif·ic \ ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

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

—

scientifically

play \ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See scientific defined for English-language learners

See scientific defined for kids

Recent Examples of scientific from the Web

The coral reefs that dominate the popular imagination—and the scientific literature—are shallow, sunlit gardens, accessible even to amateur divers.

— ben goldfarb, Smithsonian, "Illuminating the Ocean’s Teeming Twilight Zone, Before It Disappears," 14 Apr. 2018
Get our daily newsletter Pentagon officials said the missiles first struck a scientific research centre near Damascus that develops, produces and tests chemical and biological weapons.

— The Economist, "America, Britain and France strike Syria," 14 Apr. 2018
But soon the topic faded from the scientific literature.

— benedict carey and robert gebeloff, BostonGlobe.com, "Long-term use of antidepressants is surging in the US," 9 Apr. 2018
But soon the topic faded from the scientific literature.

— benedict carey and robert gebeloff, New York Times, "Many People Taking Antidepressants Discover They Cannot Quit," 7 Apr. 2018
According to their review of the scientific literature on junk food tax bills and laws, a federal tax on unhealthy foods would be both legally and administratively feasible in the US.

— julia belluz, Vox, "Mexico and Hungary tried junk food taxes — and they seem to be working," 6 Apr. 2018
Pruitt isn’t just trying to disqualify inconvenient scientific literature, but scientists themselves.

— emily atkin, The New Republic, "The War on Science Is Over. The Republicans Won.," 5 Apr. 2018
So while the bulk of evidence points to no health effects from cell phone radiation, the scientific literature is still somewhat mixed, Foster says.

— rachel becker, The Verge, "Cell phone radiation may never stop scaring people, no matter what," 5 Apr. 2018
Among these, the scientists found two variants new to the scientific literature that code for an abundant structural protein called collagen, as important to our bones as steel to a skyscraper.

— ben guarino, chicagotribune.com, "A tiny skeleton found in Chile might look like an alien, but her genes tell a different story," 22 Mar. 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.

Origin and Etymology of scientific

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1645

See Words from the same year

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

SCIENTIFIC Defined for English Language Learners

scientific

adjective

Definition of scientific for English Language Learners

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

SCIENTIFIC Defined for Kids

scientific

adjective sci·en·tif·ic \ ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik \

Definition of scientific for Students

1 : relating to science or scientists

scientific theories

2 : using or applying the methods of science

scientific research

—

scientifically

\-ˈti-fi-kə-lē\ adverb

Medical Dictionary

scientific

adjective sci·en·tif·ic \ ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik \

medical Definition of scientific

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

—

scientifically

play \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Learn More about scientific

See 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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up scientific? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

scientific

Definition of scientific

scientifically

Recent Examples of scientific from the Web

Origin and Etymology of scientific

Other Physics Terms

Phrases Related to SCIENTIFIC

Related Phrases

SCIENTIFIC Defined for English Language Learners

scientific

Definition of scientific for English Language Learners

SCIENTIFIC Defined for Kids

scientific

Definition of scientific for Students

scientifically

Medical Dictionary

scientific

medical Definition of scientific

scientifically

Learn More about scientific

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes