Thesaurus: empirical

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Definitions

1. a. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in experiments.
2. a. 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.
3. adj. derived from experiment and observation rather than theory
4. adj. relying on medical quackery
5. 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. Empirical formula. (Chem.) See under Formula. Syn. -- See Transcendental.
6. j:100 a. derived from experiment and observation rather than theory