science fiction

plural science fictions · alternative science-fiction

1. uncountableusuallyFiction in which advanced technology or science is a key element.

   Science fiction can be defined as that branch of literature which deals with the reaction of human beings to changes in science and technology.

   1975 April 28, Isaac Asimov, “How Easy to See the Future!”, in Natural History, volume 84, number 4, New York: American Museum of Natural History, →ISSN, page 92, column 2

   2 more examples

   Now this applies especially to Science-Fiction, in which the revealed truths of Science may be given, interwoven with a pleasing story which may itself be poetical and true—thus circulating a knowledge of the Poetry of Science, clothed in a garb of the Poetry of Life.

   1851, William Wilson, A Little Earnest Book Upon a Great Old Subject

   When “Her” premiered in 2013, it fell firmly in the camp of science fiction. Today, the film, set prophetically in 2025, feels more like a documentary.

   2025 November 17, Lauren Kunze, “The Sad and Dangerous Reality Behind ‘Her’”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC

   Synonyms: scientific romance, scientifiction, sci-fi, SF, skiffy, stf, scientific romance, scientifiction

2. broadlyuncountableusuallyTechnology that, while theoretically possible, is not yet practical.

   Despite decades of research, mass-market personal aircraft are still science fiction.

alternative science-fiction

1. Of or pertaining to this genre.