forensics

American  

[fuh-ren-siks, -ziks] / fəˈrɛn sɪks, -zɪks /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

forensics plural

1. forensic science.

   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.

2. null Forensics a branch, department, lab, etc., employing professionals skilled in forensic science.

   The stained garments were sent to forensics for analysis.

3. the art or study of argumentation and formal debate.

   His prowess at cogent and engaging persuasion comes from his training in classical forensics.

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adjective

1. 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.

2. 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.

forensics British  

/ fəˈrɛnsɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) the art or study of formal debating

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• forensics
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

forensics

"Our cosmic forensics team used collisional and dynamical models to link these to the formation of the Eulalia asteroid family, when a primitive carbonaceous chondrite-like object collided with another object," Bottke said.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 18, 2026

A defendant need show only a “reasonable possibility” that the bogus forensics swayed even one juror.

From Slate ● Jul. 17, 2026

Images from the scene showed a police cordon in place on a residential street, with a forensics unit stationed next to a red tent.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026

LaPorte has worked on a number of high-profile cases as a forensics expert.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026

Your defense attorney has to prove lack of motive, go through the crime-scene forensics, present a staunch defense.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah