See Also: Science(health)
science(dictionary)
Science(medicine)
science(dictionary)
Master of Science(dictionary)
Christian Science(dictionary)
veterinary science(encyclopedia)
unified science(encyclopedia)
soil science(encyclopedia)
social science(encyclopedia)

science (iou)



science noun. ME.
[Old French from Latin scientia knowledge, from scient- pres. ppl stem of scire know: see -ENCE.]
a. The state or fact of knowing; knowledge or cognizance of something specified or implied. Also, knowledge (more or less extensive) as a personal attribute. Now only Theology, chiefly rendering scholastic terms. ME.
Pope My words no fancy'd woes relate: I speak from science.
b. Theoretical perception of a truth, as contrasted with moral conviction (conscience). E-M17.
a. Knowledge acquired by study; acquaintance with or mastery of a department of learning. Formerly also in pl., (a person's) various kinds of knowledge. Now rare or obsolete. ME.
T. Gray Be love my youth's pursuit, and science crown my Age.
b. Skilful technique, esp. in a practical or sporting activity. Now rare. L18.
a. A particular branch of knowledge or study; a recognized department of learning; spec. each of the seven medieval liberal arts (see ART noun1 4). Now rare. ME.
B. F. Westcott Theology is the crown of all the sciences. transf.: C. Lamb Facts..are trifles to a true adept in the science of dissatisfaction.
b. A craft, trade, or occupation requiring trained skill. L15-M17.
c. An activity or discipline concerned with theory rather than method, or requiring the systematic application of principles rather than relying on traditional rules, intuition, and acquired skill. Freq. opp. art. L16.
R. Kirwan Previous to the year 1780, mineralogy..could scarce be deemed a Science.
d. A branch of study that deals either with a connected body of demonstrated truths or with observed facts systematically classified and more or less comprehended by general laws, and which includes reliable methods for the discovery of new truth in its own domain; spec., any of the natural sciences (see sense 4a below). Freq. (sing. & in pl.) with specifying word. E17.
biological science, exact science, experimental science, marine science, mathematical science, moral sciences, natural science, nuclear science, physical science, etc.; computer science, earth science, life science, plant science, soil science, etc.; bioscience, neuroscience, pseudo-science, etc.
a. The kind of organized knowledge or intellectual activity of which the various branches of learning are examples. Now usu. spec., the intellectual and practical activity encompassing those branches of study that apply objective scientific method to the phenomena of the physical universe (the natural sciences), and the knowledge so gained; scientific doctrine or investigation; the collective understanding of scientists. Also (with specifying word), as sense 3d above. LME.
science book, science laboratory, science teacher, etc.
T. S. Cobbold This species is new to science. Nature The technology born of science has catalysed stupendous economic growth.
b. (Usu. Science.) = Christian Science s.v. CHRISTIAN adjective. E20.
Phrases: blind with science colloq. confuse by the use of long or technical words or involved explanations. dismal science: see DISMAL adjective 4. man of science (a) a man skilled or learned in any discipline, art, or craft; (b) a scientist. Master of Science (a person who has been awarded) a degree (usu. above a bachelor's degree) for a high level of proficiency in one or more scientific subjects. the noble science: see NOBLE adjective.
Comb.: science fantasy science fiction, regarded as a kind of fantasy literature; science park an industrial estate devoted to science-based industry.