First Known Use: 1569
Dictionary
metaphysics
noun plural but singular in construction meta·phys·ics \-ˈfi-ziks\
: the part of philosophy that is concerned with the basic causes and nature of things
Full Definition of METAPHYSICS
1
a (1) : a division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being and that includes ontology, cosmology, and often epistemology (2) : ontology 2 b : abstract philosophical studies : a study of what is outside objective experience
2
: metaphysic 2
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Origin of METAPHYSICS
Medieval Latin Metaphysica, title of Aristotle's treatise on the subject, from Greek (ta) meta (ta) physika, literally, the (works) after the physical (works); from its position in his collected works
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