empiric

noun

em·​pir·​ic im-ˈpir-ik How to pronounce empiric (audio)
em-
Synonyms of empiricnext
1
: charlatan sense 2
2
: one who relies on practical experience

Examples of empiric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Economics is hard, but many of us who are not averse to giving due respect to professionals who have a real understanding of how the world works have shifted our assessment on the empirics of late. —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2010

Word History

Etymology

Middle English emperiqe "physician in ancient Greece and Rome who held that treatment should be based on observation rather than theory," borrowed from Latin empīricus, empēricus, borrowed from Greek empeirikós, derivative of empeirikós, adjective, "based on observation (of medical treatment), experienced," from empeiría "experience, practice" (derivative of émpeiros "experienced, practiced," from em- en- entry 2 + -peiros, derivative of peîra "attempt, trial, test") + -ikos -ic entry 1; peîra going back to *per-i̯a, derivative of a verbal base *per- perhaps going back to Indo-European *per- "cross, pass" — more at fare entry 1

Note: See note at peril entry 1

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of empiric was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near empiric

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empiric

empirical

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Cite this Entry

“Empiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empiric. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

empiric

noun
em·​pir·​ic im-ˈpir-ik, em- How to pronounce empiric (audio)
1
a
: a member of an ancient sect of physicians who based their practice on experience alone disregarding all theoretical and philosophic considerations
b
: quack
2
: empiricist

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