empirical empirical /ˌɛmˈpɪrɪkəl/

adjective

1. () Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory  ( empiric , empirical )
   derived from experiment and observation rather than theory
    An empirical basis for an ethical theory
   an empirical basis for an ethical theory
    Empirical laws
   empirical laws
    Empirical data
   empirical data
    An empirical treatment of a disease about which little is known
   an empirical treatment of a disease about which little is known
   
2. [Archaic] Relying on medical quackery  ( empiric [Archaic] , empirical [Archaic] )
   relying on medical quackery
    Empiric treatment
   empiric treatment