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

Derived Forms

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

“Any conversation would devolve into this forensic audit of everything that had ever been purchased,” Daniel-Hoste said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

He said he did not believe an inquiry was needed following a five-year "forensic" police investigation.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

As night fell, forensic investigations continued as white body bags were brought out and lined up outside the dormitory, an AFP journalist saw.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Detectives responded to the home in the 16000 block of Londelius Street shortly after patrol officers from the Devonshire Division and immediately began examining the crime scene along with forensic technicians.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Mr. Hinton was wrongly convicted of two robbery-murders outside Birmingham after state forensic employees mistakenly concluded that a gun recovered from his mother's home had been used in the crimes.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson