I. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ at meta- +|fizik, -ēk noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English methaphesik, metaphesyk, from Medieval Latin metaphysica, feminine singular & neuter plural — more at metaphysics
1.
a. : metaphysics
the most fantastic speculations of the later German metaphysic — Josiah Royce
metaphysic did not mean much to him — Times Literary Supplement
b. : a particular system or theory of metaphysics
this view of nature and man's place in nature is a metaphysic — W.H.Sheldon
the three possible monistic metaphysics: materialism, idealism, and neutral monism — J.W.Smith
2. : the system of first principles or philosophy underlying a particular study or subject of inquiry
each injustice … rationalizes the claims it embodies by sheltering under a half-examined metaphysic of values — H.J.Laski
the metaphysic of his love poems — George Haines
II. adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin metaphysicus, after Greek Ta meta ta Physika (a work by Aristotle), literally, the (work) after the Physics (a work by Aristotle)
: metaphysical