forensics
Americannoun
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forensics
plural
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For graduates in analytical chemistry, opportunities exist not only in the pharma sector but also in areas such as forensics and food processing.
If we’ve been hacked, we’re going to need someone with experience in computer forensics and cybersecurity.
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null Forensics a branch, department, lab, etc., employing professionals skilled in forensic science.
The stained garments were sent to forensics for analysis.
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the art or study of argumentation and formal debate.
His prowess at cogent and engaging persuasion comes from his training in classical forensics.
adjective
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relating to, trained in, or making use of forensic science.
She works in the forensics lab of a police department.
A forensics expert determined that the marks were not made by teeth.
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of or relating to the art or study of argumentation and formal debate.
In our forensics program, students learn to speak with knowledge, grace, eloquence, respect, and winsomeness.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of forensics
First recorded in 1840–45; plural of forensic ( def. ); cf. -ics ( def. )
Explanation
Forensics is the science behind investigating crimes. Studying evidence left at a crime scene is one part of forensics. Forensics can also be called forensic science. Whenever scientific methods — like fingerprint analysis — are applied to a criminal investigation, that's forensics. The word's Latin root is forensis, "in open court," and today much of the evidence uncovered by forensics is eventually presented in open court, as part of a legal case. Another meaning of forensics is "the formal art of debate." If you're interested in speech and debate, you might join your school's forensics team.
Vocabulary lists containing forensics
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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.
Dr Megson, a reader in chemistry and environmental forensics at Manchester Metropolitan University, led the scientific data collection in the documentary.
From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026
"In addition, we can improve nuclear forensics -- our ability to determine if a nuclear event has occurred and identify the most likely source."
From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026
As if that were not enough to make the average salad eater develop a mild interest in supply-chain forensics, the story soon acquired a political subplot.
From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026
His lawyer said that there is no gun and no forensics and that Knight is the sole living witness and has never identified Davis.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
Seems she’s picked an excellent topic, especially since Mrs. Zamick is the main judge for the forensics competition.
From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein
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.
