forensic

[ fuh-ren-sik, -zik ]

adjective

1. relating to, connected with, or used in courts of law, especially with reference to the scientific analysis of evidence:

   The defense called a professional witness with credentials in forensic toxicology.

2. relating, adapted, or suited to argumentation or to public discussion and debate; rhetorical:

   The Athenians were famous for their forensic eloquence in the public forum.

noun

1. forensics ( def ).

forensic

/ fəˌrɛnsɪˈkælɪtɪ; fəˈrɛnsɪk /

adjective

1. relating to, used in, or connected with a court of law

   forensic science

Derived Forms

• foˈrensically, adverb
• forensicality, noun

Other Words From

• fo·ren·si·cal·i·ty [f, uh, -ren-si-, kal, -i-tee, -zi-], noun
• fo·ren·si·cal·ly adverb
• non·fo·ren·sic adjective
• non·fo·ren·si·cal·ly adverb
• un·fo·ren·sic adjective
• un·fo·ren·si·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of forensic¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin forēns(is) “public,” literally, “of the forum” (from for(um) forum + -ēnsis -ensis ) + -ic ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of forensic¹

C17: from Latin forēnsis public, from forum

Example Sentences

Forensic tests showed the birds died after becoming coated in sludge, Hubbard said.

From The Daily Beast

To what extent was the testimony the grand jury heard corroborated or contradicted by forensic evidence?

From The Daily Beast

If true, it will have a discernable consistency with the forensic evidence.

From The Daily Beast

I found the section of the book on forensic archaeology fascinating.

From The Daily Beast

If you can stomach lunch—forensic archaeology can be disgusting.

From The Daily Beast

He had a vanity easily lacerated, and he was now too savage to abate the ferocity of his forensic attack.

From Project Gutenberg

But it was in forensic eloquence that Cicero was pre-eminent, in which he had but one equal in ancient times.

From Project Gutenberg

That was Pfalz-Neuburg's logic: none of the best, I think, in forensic genealogy.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall enter my appearance in the forensic costume of wig and gown.

From Project Gutenberg

But I say to him, in such a case how could I possibly have acquired any forensic distinction?

From Project Gutenberg