empiric

noun

em·​pir·​ic im-ˈpir-ik 

em-

1

: charlatan sense 2

2

: one who relies on practical experience

Examples of empiric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Medical Definition

empiric

noun

em·​pir·​ic im-ˈpir-ik, em- 

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