What term describes various formal statements made under oath before a professional witness?

The term that best describes various formal statements made under oath before a professional witness is "affidavit." An affidavit is a written statement that is sworn to be true and is typically used in courts or legal proceedings. It requires the individual making the statement to affirm its truthfulness, thereby holding them legally accountable for the information provided.

While "affirmation" refers to the act of declaring something to be true, often as an alternative to an oath, it does not specifically indicate the formalized written nature or the context of legal proceedings like an affidavit does. Similarly, "verification" pertains more to the process of confirming the truth or accuracy of a statement rather than the formal statement itself.

Thus, while "affirmation" and "verification" are related concepts, they do not encapsulate the legal terminology and implications associated with an affidavit. The answer that most accurately defines the scenario presented is the specific term "affidavit," highlighting its importance in legal contexts.