forensic

American  

[fuh-ren-sik, -zik] / fəˈrɛn sɪk, -zɪk /

adjective

1. 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.

2. 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.

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noun

1. forensics.

forensic British  

/ fəˈrɛnsɪk, fəˌrɛnsɪˈkælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. relating to, used in, or connected with a court of law

   forensic science

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Other Word Forms

• forensicality noun
• forensically adverb
• nonforensic adjective
• nonforensically adverb
• unforensic adjective
• unforensically adverb

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.

Example Sentences

The Sheriff’s Department said it would conduct a forensic exam.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

It said there would also be a "comprehensive and forensic Board-led investigation of this incident".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

She gives a forensic account of why the data and the facts we base our predictions on are always incomplete and very often of poor quality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Local reporters shared videos of prosecutors and officials in forensic suits standing atop the pyramid in the now empty complex, cordoned off by crime scene tape.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Yet in much of the country these forensic methods were applied even less consistently than fingerprint and ballistic techniques.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann