forensic
Americanadjective
-
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.
-
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
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing forensic
100 SAT Words Beginning with "F"
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This Week in Words: October 22 - 27, 2017
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Counting by 7s
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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.
A total of 3,685 forensic samples are undergoing DNA testing, including more than 1,300 collected from recovered bodies.
From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026
The episode retraces his steps alongside forensic pathologist Richard Shepherd, who carried out Jay's postmortem when his body was returned to the UK.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
Ms. Margolles witnessed these outcomes first-hand in her earlier career as a forensic technician in Mexico City’s morgue, an experience that infuses her work with elements of scientific exactitude as well as ritualistic imagery.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
The Whelford woman described an "eerily quiet atmosphere" in the wake of a major incident, with police, drones, and forensic investigators still circling the area.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
These are what—in connection with forensic rhetoric in particular, though they have their analogues in the deliberative sphere—Aristotle calls “nontechnical proofs.”
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
