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Webster 1913 Edition


Empirical

{

Em-pir′ic

,

Em-pir′ic-al

, }
Adj.
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 W. Hamilton.
The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by
empirical
rules learnt in his apprenticeship.
H. 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
.
Syn. – See
Transcendental
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Empirical

EMPIR'ICAL

,
Adj.
Pertaining to experiments or experience.
1.
Versed in experiments; as an empiric alchimist.
2.
Known only by experience; derived from experiment; used and applied without science; as empiric skill; empiric remedies.
I have avoided that empirical morality that cures one vice by means of another.

Definition 2024


empirical

empirical

English

Adjective

empirical (not comparable)

  1. Pertaining to or based on experience.
    • H. Spencer
      The village carpenter [] lays out his work by empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship.
  2. Pertaining to, derived from, or testable by observations made using the physical senses or using instruments which extend the senses.
  3. (philosophy of science) Verifiable by means of scientific experimentation.

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See also

External links

  • empirical in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • empirical in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • empirical at OneLook Dictionary Search