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

Confusion and multiple meanings In a 2020 study, Barnett and his colleague Zoe Doubleday analyzed 24 million scientific article titles and 18 million abstracts published between 1950 and 2019, tracking trends in acronym use. —Clarissa Brincat, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026

After the astronauts conduct a moon walk and a series of scientific experiments, the lander would then transport them up to Orion, which would make the journey back to Earth, according to NASA. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

The world’s first scientific zoo was set up on April 29, 1826. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026

Abbott, one of the nation’s largest formula makers, urged the FDA to set scientific standards for contaminants in infant formula. —Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 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
• 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