scientific
Americanadjective
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of or relating to science or the sciences.
scientific studies.
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occupied or concerned with science.
scientific experts.
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regulated by or conforming to the principles of exact science.
scientific procedures.
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systematic or accurate in the manner of an exact science.
adjective
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(prenominal) of, relating to, derived from, or used in science
scientific equipment
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(prenominal) occupied in science
scientific manpower
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conforming with the principles or methods used in science
a scientific approach
Other Word Forms
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antiscientificadjective
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antiscientificallyadverb
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counterscientificadjective
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nonscientificadjective
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nonscientificallyadverb
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prescientificadjective
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proscientificadjective
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quasi-scientificadjective
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quasi-scientificallyadverb
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scientificallyadverb
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superscientificadjective
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superscientificallyadverb
Etymology
Origin of scientific
1580–90; < Medieval Latin scientificus, equivalent to scient- ( see science) + -i - -i- + -ficus -fic
Explanation
Things that are scientific are based on the principles and methods of science. Scientific evidence is the result of study and experimentation, not opinions and guesses. If you want to prove something, finding scientific support is your best bet. The scientific method is the surest way to study and learn about things because it involves experiments, research, and careful analysis of the facts. Scientific evidence is more than an opinion or a wish — it's been studied and supported by some of our best minds. Anyone can have an opinion, but it doesn't mean much without scientific studies to back it up.
Vocabulary lists containing scientific
Reading: Informational - Introductory
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UCPS 6th Grade Roots List #13
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ic
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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.
The Mars encounter also gave the mission team an opportunity to fully test Psyche's scientific instruments before the spacecraft reaches the asteroid.
From Science Daily • May 26, 2026
It’s important to note that many of RFK Jr.’s claims are rooted in pseudoscience — dieticians and researchers alike have criticized the entire movement, citing a lack of evidence-based scientific research.
From Salon • May 23, 2026
While Wünsch is optimistic about AI’s potential to drive scientific breakthroughs, he acknowledged that the AI boom has strained the gaming industry.
From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026
The Department of Health and Social Care says government screening policy is guided by expert scientific advice.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
Along with everything else he accomplished, Bass was a prolific author and the recipient of many scientific awards.
From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler
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.
