META-

comb. form (usu. met- before a vowel or h) 1 denoting change of position or condition (metabolism). 2 denoting position: a behind. b after or beyond (metaphysics; metacarpus). c of a higher or second-order kind (metalanguage). 3 Chem. a relating to two carbon atoms separated by one other in a benzene ring. b relating to a compound formed by dehydration (metaphosphate). [Gk meta-, met-, meth- f. meta with, after]