adj.
Pronunciation: -i-k ə l
Variant: also em · pir · ic \ -ik \
Function: adjective
Date: 1569
1 : originating in or based on observation or experience < empirical data>
2 : relying on experience or observation alone often without due regard for system and theory <an empirical basis for the theory>
3 : capable of being verified or disproved by observation or experiment < empirical laws>
4 : of or relating to empiricism
– em · pir · i · cal · ly \ -i-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb