/ ˌmetəˈfɪzɪks; NAmE / noun
[ U ] the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of existence, truth and knowledge
► meta·phys·ic·al / ˌmetəˈfɪzɪkl; NAmE / adjective :
metaphysical problems / speculation
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: representing medieval Latin metaphysica (neuter plural), based on Greek ta meta ta phusika the things after the Physics, referring to the sequence of Aristotle's works: the title came to denote the branch of study treated in the books, later interpreted as meaning the science of things transcending what is physical or natural .