[syn: empiric, empirical]
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]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
empirical
adj 1: 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]
2: relying on medical quackery; "empiric treatment" [syn:
empiric, empirical]