forensic

American  

[fuh-ren-sik, -zik] / fəˈrɛn sɪk, -zɪk /

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.

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noun

1. forensics.

forensic British  

/ fəˈrɛnsɪk, fəˌrɛnsɪˈkælɪtɪ /

adjective

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

   forensic science

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Other Word Forms

• forensicality
  noun
• forensically
  adverb
• nonforensic
  adjective
• nonforensically
  adverb
• unforensic
  adjective
• unforensically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of forensic

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

Explanation

The adjective forensic describes scientific methods used to investigate crimes. If you're looking for forensic evidence, you're using your scientific know-how to find proof that will help solve crimes. The adjective forensic comes from the Latin word forensis, meaning “in open court” or “public.” When you describe something as forensic you usually mean that has to do with finding evidence to solve a crime. It could also mean that it has to do with the courts or legal system. You could have a forensic advantage — meaning an advantage in court — if the forensic team — meaning the investigators — found no forensic evidence of you being involved.

Example Sentences

Forensic analysis was unable to identify the author, but the force said the letter contained details it was "very keen to progress".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

A new study published in the journal Forensic Sciences Research now provides the first detailed scientific account of the investigation.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026

Forensic software can help recover the files, Farid said, with a caveat: “The longer you wait, the less likely you are to find it, because the computer will eventually reclaim that memory.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Individuals were also identified in footage from morgues, including the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Centre, to where many bodies from Tehran and surrounding areas were transferred.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Forensic scientists recommend a fingernail, a tooth, a tissue sample, and a piece of the femur.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady