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.
Turning the rivulet flowing down a melting glacier into a bright-pink stream was the least scientific test carried out this day. —NPR, 15 Oct. 2025 Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies and trending news. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 According to Roelofs, discovering these natural processes on Mars can help the scientific community to better understand our own planet. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025 Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 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

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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 17 Oct. 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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