Forensic
/fəˈrɛn.sɪk/noun
Relating to the use of scientific methods and evidence in investigating crimes or resolving legal questions.
Did you know?Forensic originally referred to persuasive public speaking in court, long before it became associated with fingerprints, DNA, and crime laboratories.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dhwer-
“Door or opening; the ancient root associated with passageways and entrances”
Ancient Latin
Latin
foris
“Outside; out of doors”
Classical Latin
Latin
forum
“A public place or marketplace, especially the Roman civic and legal assembly”
Classical Latin
Latin
forensis
“Of or belonging to the forum; relating to public discussion or legal argument”
17th Century
English
forensic
“Relating to courts of law or public debate”
Modern English
English
forensic
“Applying scientific evidence and analysis to legal investigation”