forensics
forensics Lexical Profile
forensics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection and investigation of crime.
"Advances in digital forensics allowed investigators to recover the deleted files from the suspect's hard drive."
American The art or study of formal argumentation, public speaking, and competitive debate, especially in high schools and universities.
"She joined the university forensics team to sharpen her persuasive speaking and research skills."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although plural in form, "forensics" typically takes a singular verb when referring to the academic discipline or field of scientific investigation, and a plural verb when referring to specific tests or procedures.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Latin adjective "forensis," meaning "in open court" or "public," from "forum" (the public marketplace in ancient Rome where legal trials and debates were held).