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

Lucky Bay, Australia Bleached by quartz-rich sands, Lucky Bay stretches along Western Australia’s Cape Le Grand National Park—its shoreline so white it once outshone Hyams Beach in scientific tests. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Several officials criticized Vance for potentially exploiting public infrastructure resources for his personal use amid the Trump administration's funding cuts for government jobs and scientific research. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

There’s no scientific evidence proving these methods are effective, says Owen. Consider lethal control. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025

Several important scientific advancements in medical treatments had recently been made, and (especially white, male) doctors then enjoyed widespread respect as a result. —Time, 7 Aug. 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