[syn: empirical, empiric]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Empiric \Em*pir"ic\, Empirical \Em*pir"ic*al\, a.
1. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience;
depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in
experiments.
[1913 Webster]
In philosophical language, the term empirical means
simply what belongs to or is the product of
experience or observation. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
[1913 Webster]
The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by
empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship. --H.
Spencer.
[1913 Webster]
2. Depending upon experience or observation alone, without
due regard to science and theory; -- said especially of
medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and
deep insight; as, empiric skill, remedies.
[1913 Webster]
Empirical formula. (Chem.) See under Formula.
Syn: See Transcendental.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Empiric \Em*pir"ic\ (?; 277), n. [L. empiricus an empiric, Gr. ?
experienced, equiv. to ?; ? in + ? a trial, experiment; akin
to ? ford, way, and E. fare: cf. F. empirique. See In, and
Fare.]
1. One who follows an empirical method; one who relies upon
practical experience.
[1913 Webster]
2. One who confines himself to applying the results of mere
experience or his own observation; especially, in
medicine, one who deviates from the rules of science and
regular practice; an ignorant and unlicensed pretender; a
quack; a charlatan.
[1913 Webster]
Among the Greek physicians, those who founded their
practice on experience called themselves empirics.
--Krauth-Fleming.
[1913 Webster]
Swallow down opinions as silly people do empirics'
pills. --Locke.
Empiric
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
empiric
adj 1: relying on medical quackery; "empiric treatment" [syn:
empiric, empirical]
2: derived from experiment and observation rather than theory;
"an empirical basis for an ethical theory"; "empirical laws";
"empirical data"; "an empirical treatment of a disease about
which little is known" [syn: empirical, empiric] [ant:
theoretic, theoretical]