# CSI

/ˈsiˌɛˈsaɪ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/csi
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

Stands for Crime Scene Investigation. The work of using science to solve crimes. It involves looking at physical evidence like fingerprints or DNA to find out what happened.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Crime Scene Investigation. The application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime. Often used as a collective term for the personnel or the specific department responsible for forensic evidence collection.

## Examples

- The CSI team arrived to collect fingerprints from the window.
- After the burglary, the CSI spent several hours dusting for prints and photographing the entry point.
- Modern criminal investigations rely heavily on CSI to provide objective physical evidence that can either confirm or refute witness testimony during a trial.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as an attributive noun in phrases like 'CSI team' or 'CSI report'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.