adj.
Pronunciation: ' e-thi-k ə l
Variant: also eth · ic \ -thik \
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English etik, from Latin ethicus, from Greek ē thikos, from ē thos character ― more at SIB
Date: 1588
1 : of or relating to ethics < ethical theories>
2 : involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval < ethical judgments>
3 : conforming to accepted standards of conduct < ethical behavior>
4 of a drug : restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription
synonyms see MORAL
– eth · i · cal · i · ty \ ˌ e-th ə - ' ka-l ə -t ē \ noun
– eth · i · cal · ly \ ' e-thi-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– eth · i · cal · ness \ -k ə l-n ə s \ noun