Forensic

Pronunciation ,

• IPA: /fəˈɹɛn.zɪk/, /fəˈɹɛn.sɪk/

Alternative forms

• forensick obsolete

Origin

From Latin forēnsis ("of the forum, public"), from forum

Full definition of forensic

Adjective

1. Relating to the use of science and technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence in a court of law.
• 1996, 8 June, Bill Clinton, ,Fire investigators ... and forensic chemists are combing through fire sites 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, interviewing witnesses, and following leads.
2. (dated) Relating to, or appropriate for courts of law.
• 1885, Isaac N. Arnold, The Life of Abraham Lincoln, ,It judiciary had been the forum before which the highest forensic discussions had been held, ...
3. (archaic) Relating to, or used in debate or argument.
• 1851, Edward Shepherd Creasy, The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, ,Varus trusted implicitly ... to the interest which they affected to take in the forensic eloquence of their conquerors.

Synonyms

• (Related or appropriate for a court of law) legal
• (Related or used in debate and argumentation) rhetorical

Derived terms

• forensic accounting
• forensic engineering
• forensic linguistics
• forensic medicine
• forensic science
• forensically
• forensics

Related terms

• forensal
• forensive

Anagrams

• conifers
• forinsec
• fornices
• inforces