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.

forensic

/ fəˈrɛnsɪk, fəˌrɛnsɪˈkælɪtɪ /

adjective

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

   forensic science

Other Word Forms

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

In the first five days, forensic experts gingerly removed earth, millimeter by millimeter, recovering 3,463 bone fragments.

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But immediately after the crash, investigators carried out the meticulous process of swabbing the interior of the VW Polo for any forensic samples that could link the driver to that seat.

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Speaking to the BBC, one restaurant owner described his shock, with a number of premises forced to close while forensic investigations continue.

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Speaking late on Monday night, officers said they expected local disruption on the road network to stretch into Tuesday while forensic investigations continued.

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To this day, there has been no forensic evidence, DNA or murder weapon found but Mr Grant's testimony gave police what they needed to charge Ross.

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