forensic science

American  

[fuh-ren-sik sahy-uhns, -zik] / fəˈrɛn sɪk ˈsaɪ əns, -zɪk /

noun

1. the professional discipline of scientifically analyzing crime evidence, especially physical evidence.

   All of these consultants have at least a bachelor’s degree in their scientific field, and have completed extensive training related to forensic science and crime scene investigation.

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Etymology

Origin of forensic science

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

She hopes to pursue a career in forensic science, as either a crime scene or crime lab analyst.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Still, examples like this remain uncommon in forensic science.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026

The proposal, inspired by how forensic science weighs evidence found at crime scenes, offers researchers a consistent way to communicate how confident they are that microplastic has actually been detected.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

Advances in forensic science meant testing was now "far more sophisticated" than at the time of the original investigation.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

The forensic science that Bertillon and Lépine relied on was invented by Vidocq.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day