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word of the day

The word for today is…

empirical (adj) – 1. (a) Relying on or derived from observation or experiment.
(b) Verifiable or provable by means of observation or experiment.
2. Guided by practical experience and not theory, especially in medicine.

Source : The Free Dictionary

Etymology : When empirical first appeared as an adjective in English, it meant simply “in the manner of an empiric.” An empiric was a member of an ancient sect of doctors who practiced medicine based exclusively on observation or experience as contrasted with those who relied on theory or philosophy. The name empiric derives from Latin emp?ricus, itself from Greek empeirikós, meaning “based on observation (of medical treatment), experienced.” The root of the Greek word (-peiros) is a derivative of peîra, meaning “attempt, trial, test.”

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