EMPIRIC

em·pir·ic   (ěm-pîr'ĭk)    n.   One who is guided by practical experience rather than precepts or theory. An unqualified or dishonest practitioner; a charlatan. adj.  Empirical. [Latin empīricus, from Greek empeirikos, experienced, from empeiros, skilled : en-, in; see en-2 + peirān, to try (from peira, try, attempt; see per-3 in Indo-European roots).]

Main Entry: em·pir·ic
Pronunciation: im-'pir-ik, em-
Function: noun
1 a : a member of an ancient sect of physicians who based theirpractice on experience alone disregarding all theoretical and philosophic considerations b : QUACK
2 : EMPIRICIST

empiric em·pir·ic (ěm-pēr'ĭk)
n.

1. One who is guided by practical experience rather than precepts or theory.

2. An unqualified or dishonest practitioner; a charlatan.

adj.

1. Empirical.

2. Relating to a school of ancient Greek medicine in which a physician relied on experience and precedent in the observation and treatment of disease, and on analogical reasoning in discovering new diseases.