empiric

noun

em·pir·ic | \ im-ˈpir-ik

, em-\

Definition of empiric

1 : charlatan sense 2

2 : one who relies on practical experience

Examples of empiric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The irony is that citizenship helps drive integration — not the other way around Like many immigration arguments, the case for ending birthright citizenship is a normative argument wrapped in incorrect empirics. — Dara Lind, Vox, "Birthright citizenship, explained: why some on the right want to end it, and what they get wrong," 23 July 2018 Atheists are philosophers not scientists and science is not a philosophy or a religion but a method of empiric inquiry based on questioning, imagination and experimentation. — Wired Letters Department, WIRED, "From Scott Wilson," 1 Dec. 2006

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'empiric.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for empiric

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

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More Definitions for empiric

empiric

noun

em·pir·ic | \ im-ˈpir-ik, em-

Medical Definition of empiric

1a : 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

empiric

Definition of empiric

Examples of empiric in a Sentence

First Known Use of empiric

History and Etymology for empiric

Medical Definition of empiric

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