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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.


Etymology

Origin of forensic science

First recorded in 1890–95

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.

See Examples For:

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

From Slate Apr. 6, 2026

Professor Rob Ogden has been closely involved in setting up the project and is co- founder of the organisation Trace, which promotes the use of forensic science in wildlife law enforcement.

From BBC Feb. 19, 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

The project, supported by Research Ireland and Maynooth University, was recently published in a leading forensic science journal and represents a major step forward for global policing and criminal investigation.

From Science Daily Nov. 2, 2025

In the search for the Mona Lisa, Louis Lépine was partnered with Alphonse Bertillon, a pioneer in this new field of forensic science.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

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