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scientific

American  
[sahy-uhn-tif-ik] / ˌsaɪ ənˈtɪf ɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to science or the sciences.

    scientific studies.

  2. occupied or concerned with science.

    scientific experts.

  3. regulated by or conforming to the principles of exact science.

    scientific procedures.

  4. systematic or accurate in the manner of an exact science.


scientific British  
/ ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk /

adjective

  1. (prenominal) of, relating to, derived from, or used in science

    scientific equipment

  2. (prenominal) occupied in science

    scientific manpower

  3. conforming with the principles or methods used in science

    a scientific approach

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of scientific

1580–90; < Medieval Latin scientificus, equivalent to scient- ( see science) + -i - -i- + -ficus -fic

Explanation

Things that are scientific are based on the principles and methods of science. Scientific evidence is the result of study and experimentation, not opinions and guesses. If you want to prove something, finding scientific support is your best bet. The scientific method is the surest way to study and learn about things because it involves experiments, research, and careful analysis of the facts. Scientific evidence is more than an opinion or a wish — it's been studied and supported by some of our best minds. Anyone can have an opinion, but it doesn't mean much without scientific studies to back it up.

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Vocabulary lists containing scientific

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Early findings from the project were recently published in Scientific Reports.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

Boston Scientific would also take market share, partly through acquisitions.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

The sediment cores came from the Cretaceous Continental Scientific Drilling Project, an international drilling effort launched in 2006 by Prof. Wang.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

Boston Scientific shares plunged after its CEO flagged declining demand for Watchman stand-alone procedures.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

The Scientific Revolution, which got under way only 500 years ago, may well end history and start something completely different.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

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