scientainment 

Science-based extrapolations for entertainment purposes (i.e. sci-fi), which free the most knowledgeable and intelligent fans of the burden of "suspended disbelief". The premise or concept would be plausible (or even foreseeable) given continued research and development in a particular field of science. The science is more important than the entertainment value alone - this results in sci-fi that satisfies on a new level for a cerebral audience.

nanotechnology is a prime example of science today that can be used as a mechanism for plausible fiction set in the near future.

Sci-Fi fan 1: "That movie had no chicks with big boobs, no explosions, no car chases, yet I still enjoyed it ... how is this possible?"
Sci-Fi fan 2: "Awesome scientainment value."
Sci-Fi fan 1: "Perhaps I should apply myself in my studies, as my interests in science have been piqued."

scientainment by PL&G January 2, 2009