scientific

adjective

sci·en·tif·ic | \ ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik

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

Other Words from scientific More Example Sentences Phrases Containing scientific Learn More About scientific

Examples of scientific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Examine all the angles with this funny, informative podcast that pits scientific studies and statistics against some of the biggest head-scratchers around. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 6 Aug. 2022 By focusing on the past few centuries, that paper—and many other important scientific studies and conversations—overlooks the ways in which major Indigenous oyster fisheries managed to sustain mass productivity for millennia. — Ashley Braun, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 July 2022 While there is no medical evidence saying for sure, many users (and some limited scientific studies) suggest that Full-Spectrum CBD works better than Broad-Spectrum or CBD Isolate. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 21 July 2022 On July 12th, the first five scientific images taken by the telescope were released to the public. — Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 18 July 2022 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration released its first set of scientific images from the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing the instrument’s ability to peer deeper into space and further back in time than ever before. — Peter Champelli, WSJ, 12 July 2022 The images are the first wave of full-color scientific images the telescope has gathered, showing the farthest humanity has ever seen in both time and distance. — Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 11 July 2022 On that day a tranche of the first scientific images will be released to scientists. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 9 July 2022 For now, physicians and the existing scientific studies support Paxlovid treatment for patients with a high risk of developing severe disease. — Edward Chen, STAT, 8 July 2022 See More

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.

History and Etymology for scientific

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.

Buying Guide

A love for education starts at an early age. The Reviews team researched the best science toys for kids to jumpstart their learning.