scientific

[sahy-uhn-tif-ik]

adjective

1. of or relating to science or the sciences.

   scientific studies.

2. occupied or concerned with science.

   scientific experts.

3. regulated by or conforming to the principles of exact science.

   scientific procedures.

4. systematic or accurate in the manner of an exact science.

scientific

/ ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk /

adjective

1. (prenominal) of, relating to, derived from, or used in science

   scientific equipment

2. (prenominal) occupied in science

   scientific manpower

3. conforming with the principles or methods used in science

   a scientific approach

Other Word Forms

• scientifically adverb
• antiscientific adjective
• antiscientifically adverb
• counterscientific adjective
• nonscientific adjective
• nonscientifically adverb
• prescientific adjective
• proscientific adjective
• quasi-scientific adjective
• quasi-scientifically adverb
• superscientific adjective
• superscientifically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scientific¹

1580–90; < Medieval Latin scientificus, equivalent to scient- ( science ) + -i - -i- + -ficus -fic

Example Sentences

In a statement, the scientific organisation said one of the trustees had lost their key in "an honest but unfortunate human mistake", making it impossible for them to decrypt - and uncover - the final results.

Read more on BBC

The issue is among the most intensively studied in the scientific literature, and the results among the most conclusive: There’s no connection.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

According to Stöllner, the current scientific view is that, in both scenarios, the electric field inside clouds appears too weak to initiate lightning on its own.

Read more on Science Daily

The report pinpoints the role both nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest play in ensuring plants and animals survive.

Read more on BBC

"America is in a race for global technology dominance in the development of artificial intelligence," the order stated, describing AI as "an important frontier of scientific discovery and economic growth."

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• experimental 
• mathematical 
• objective