| empiric | Empirical, depending upon experience or observation alone, without using scientific method or theory. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| empiric risk | The chance that a disease will occur in a family based upon experience (past history, medical records, etc.) rather than theory. (12 Dec 1998) |
| empiric treatment | A treatment based on experience, usually without adequate data to support its use. (05 Mar 2000) |
| empirical | 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. <chemistry> See Formula. Synonym: See Transcendental. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| empirical formula | In chemistry, a formula indicating the kind and number of atoms in the molecules of a substance, or its composition, but not the relation of the atoms to each other or the intimate structure of the molecule. Synonym: molecular formula. (05 Mar 2000) |
| empiricism | 1. The method or practice of an empiric; pursuit of knowledge by observation and experiment. 2. Specifically, a practice of medicine founded on mere experience, without the aid of science or a knowledge of principles; ignorant and unscientific practice; charlatanry; quackery. 3. <psychology> The philosophical theory which attributes the origin of all our knowledge to experience. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |