scientific

adjective

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

Examples of scientific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Obsessed with black and blue marlin, Hsieh has outfitted the vessel with scientific equipment to research these apex species as well as engage in general ocean conservation. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025 In a capital where insiders often insist on anonymity to say such things publicly, 92 NIH researchers, program directors, branch chiefs and scientific review officers put their signatures on the letter — and their careers on the line. — Calvin Woodward, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 The brand has an impressive list of medical advisors and scientific experts on board, including Harvard-, Yale-, and Columbia-trained Dr. Andrew Salzman, MD, who helped develop the formula. — Brianna Peters, Vogue, 8 June 2025 Viewing your own biology in a more objective way by learning more about the scientific basis of sleep paralysis is also helpful, Jalal said. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scientific

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scientific was in 1645

Phrases Containing scientific

Rhymes for scientific

See All Rhymes for scientific

Browse Nearby Words

scientia scientiarum
scientific
scientifical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scientific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scientific. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or rules of science
scientifically
-ˈtif-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce scientific (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science
scientifically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce scientific (audio)
adverb

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Nglish: Translation of scientific for Spanish Speakers

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