1. a specialist in forensic science who analyzes physical evidence at crime scenes
Usage: also called forensic scientist or crime scene investigator
2. a legal expert or scholar specializing in criminal law
Usage: less common in modern usage; more prevalent in academic or historical contexts

Examples

• The criminalist examined the fingerprints found at the crime scene.
• She worked as a criminalist for the state police department for over a decade.
• The criminalist's report provided crucial evidence for the prosecution.
• Criminalists use advanced technology to analyze DNA and other biological evidence.
• He became a criminalist after studying forensic science in college.