scientific

[sahy-uh n-tif-ik] /ˌsaɪ ənˈtɪf ɪk/

adjective

of or pertaining to science or the sciences:

scientific studies.

occupied or concerned with science:

scientific experts.

regulated by or conforming to the principles of exact science:

scientific procedures.

systematic or accurate in the manner of an exact science.

Origin

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

Related 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

Examples from the web for scientific

Too often, other societies have been slow to see the value of scientific and entrepreneurial experimentation that ends in failure.
His works are distinguished by fantastic speculation rather than by scientific method.
These, and the scientific, are the sort of neologism that may fairly be welcomed.
In other words, it is as literature and not as a scientific treatise that ideal commonwealths should be considered.
His hunting-books have been extensively quoted by the scientific periodicals.
Intermingled with this scientific prejudice and largely anticipating it was another, a more human one.
Then, late in the afternoon of the second day at sea, the entire scientific crew suddenly leapt to attention.
But historically, social sciences tried to apply the scientific method to the study of social phenomena.
The problem is that buzzwords impose blinders, in much the same way that scientific paradigms do.
When scientific research produces results potentially dangerous to the public, science must give way to security.

British Dictionary definitions for scientific

scientific

/ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/

adjective

(prenominal) of, relating to, derived from, or used in science: scientific equipment

(prenominal) occupied in science: scientific manpower

conforming with the principles or methods used in science: a scientific approach

Derived Forms

scientifically, adverb

Word Origin and History for scientific

adj.

1580s, from Middle French scientifique, from Medieval Latin scientificus "pertaining to science," from Latin scientia "knowledge" (see science) + -ficus "making" + facere "to make" (see factitious). Originally used to translate Greek epistemonikos "making knowledge" in Aristotle's "Ethics."

Sciential (mid-15c., "based on knowledge," from Latin scientialis) is the classical purists' choice for an adjective based on science. Scientic (1540s) and scient (late 15c.) also have been used. First record of scientific revolution is from 1803; scientific method is from 1854; scientific notation is from 1961. Related: Scientifical; scientifically.