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

Today, the science community is composed of humans who seek and often compete with others for discovery as well as credit, and this feature of scientific culture is believed to play an important role in the success of the enterprise. — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026

During the three-day gathering, scientists and policymakers from around the world are expected to discuss how AI is impacting education, how experts can foster trust in scientific research, recent breakthroughs in personalized medicine and more. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2026

Its collection of scientific specimens is widely recognized as one of the most important in the world. — Andrew Stelzer, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

Sacks is co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, a federal advisory committee made up of outside experts on technology, scientific research and innovation policy. — Justin Papp,terri Cullen, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026

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
• scientific theory
• the scientific method

Rhymes for scientific

• horrific
• pacific
• prolific
• salvific
• specific
• terrific
• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• soporific

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