empiric
AdjectiveOpen English WordNet
Adjective (2)
- relying on medical quackery“empiric treatment”Synonyms: empiricalRelating to empiricism
- 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”Synonyms: empiricalOpposite theoreticSimilar experimental, experiential, semiempirical, a posteriori, confirmable, trial-and-error
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: 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.
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.
Among the Greek physicians, those who founded their practice on experience called themselves empirics.— C. P., and Fleming, William Krauth
Swallow down opinions as silly people do empirics' pills.— John Locke
1. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in experiments.
In philosophical language, the term empirical means simply what belongs to or is the product of experience or observation.— Sir William Hamilton
The village carpenter... lays out his work by empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship.— Herbert Spencer
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.
Empirical formula. Chemistry See under Formula.
Synonyms: See Transcendental.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54