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science

n. · v.
US //ˈsaɪəns// UK //sˈaɪəns// sci·ence
  1. 1 the general field of study (n.)
    A1 Beginner Science

    the study of the physical world and how it works, based on facts and testing.

    the systematic enterprise that builds and organises knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

    Example

    Advances in modern science have helped us understand how viruses spread.

    Example

    The fundamental principles of science require that any hypothesis be subjected to rigorous testing and peer review before being accepted as fact.
  2. 2 a specific subject (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    a particular branch of knowledge, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.

    a specific discipline or branch of learning that deals with a particular area of the natural or social world.

    Example

    Chemistry was my favourite science when I was a student in high school.

    Example

    While biology is often considered a soft science by some, it relies on the same mathematical foundations as physics.
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  1. 3 the scientific community (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the group of people who work as scientists.

    the collective body of scientists and researchers working within established institutions.

    Example

    The government consulted with science before making the new environmental laws.

    Example

    The report reflects the consensus within science regarding the long-term impacts of carbon emissions on global temperatures.
  2. 4 to use science to solve a problem (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Humorous

    to use scientific methods or tools to fix a tricky situation.

    to apply scientific principles or technical knowledge to resolve a specific challenge. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    We had a problem with the water filter, but we managed to science it until it worked again.

    Example

    In the film, the protagonist famously declares that he will have to science the problem to survive on the desolate planet.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'science the [something] out of it' or 'science the problem'.

    Teacher's tip

    This verbal use is a modern 'verbing' of the noun, popularised by science fiction media; it should be avoided in academic writing.
Etymology 1

From Middle English science, scyence, borrowed from Old French science, escience, from Latin scientia (“knowledge”), from sciens, the present participle stem of scire (“to know”).

Etymology 2

See scion.

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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