forensic
Americanadjective
-
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.
-
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.
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing forensic
100 SAT Words Beginning with "F"
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This Week in Words: October 22 - 27, 2017
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Counting by 7s
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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.
An Amazon spokesman said, “Amazon Renewed sellers must meet rigorous quality standards,” adding that smartphones require “a full factory reset that removes any spyware, and forensic destruction of all personal data.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
The cases were submitted by coroners, forensic pathologists, and police forces between March 2019 and August 2024.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 15, 2026
In Spencer’s case, Burton processed the biological evidence used to convict him and testified as a forensic analyst during his trials.
From Slate ● Aug. 13, 2026
He said his client wanted the forensic medical report and the "toxicological and histological examinations of the deceased" to be included in the case file.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
These are what—in connection with forensic rhetoric in particular, though they have their analogues in the deliberative sphere—Aristotle calls “nontechnical proofs.”
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
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.
