Origin: Latin suffix -ence
Science has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
A particular discipline or branch of learning, especially one dealing with measurable or systematic principles rather than intuition or natural ability.
"The genealogist's note was filled with archaic spellings, including several instances where he had written "science" to mean a scion or descendant."
Obsolete spelling of scion
In plain English: Science is the study of how things work by observing nature and testing ideas with experiments.
"She chose to study science because she loves learning how the world works."
Usage: Use the singular form a science to refer specifically to an academic field like biology or physics, while reserving the uncountable plural sciences for these disciplines collectively. Avoid using it as a verb; instead of saying "to science," phrase actions related to research with verbs such as "conduct" or "study."
To cause to become versed in science; to make skilled; to instruct.
"The mentorship program aims to apprentice young students in science through hands-on laboratory work."
In plain English: To science something means to study it carefully using experiments and facts to learn how it works.
"The new study attempts to science the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."
The word "science" entered English from the Old French science, which originally meant "knowledge." It traces back to the Latin scientia, derived from a verb meaning "to know."