I. |sīən.|tifik, -fēk, in rapid speech often (ˈ)sīn.- adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin scientificus, from Latin scient-, sciens (present participle of scire to know) + -i- + -ficus -fic — more at science
1. obsolete : yielding knowledge deductively
2. : concerned with or treating of science : devoted to the study or practice of science
a scientific treatise
scientific training
scientific in his interests
3. : of, relating to, or used in science or a branch of science
scientific apparatus
a scientific formula
4. : agreeing with or conducted or prepared strictly according to the principles and practice of or for the furtherance of exact science : skilled in the methods of exact science : characteristic or typical of a true scientist especially in perfect disinterestedness and absolute accuracy
scientific research
a scientific experiment
the scientific spirit
5. : conducted or systematized after the manner of science or according to results of investigation by science : practicing thoroughness or systematic methods approximating those of scientists or devised by scientists : applying expert knowledge or technical skill (as in sports, warfare, management)
scientific advertising
scientific baby care
a scientific boxer
II. noun
( -s )
: scientist