meta- or (sometimes before a vowel) met-
Definitions
prefix
- indicating change, alteration, or alternation ⇒
metabolism
metamorphosis
- (of an academic discipline, esp philosophy) concerned with the concepts and results of the named discipline ⇒
metamathematics
meta-ethics
See also metatheory - occurring or situated behind or after ⇒
metaphase
- (often in italics) denoting that an organic compound contains a benzene ring with substituents in the 1,3-positions ⇒
metadinitrobenzene
meta-cresol
m- - denoting an isomer, polymer, or compound related to a specified compound (often differing from similar compounds that are prefixed by denoting an isomer, polymer, or compound related to a specified compound (often differing from similar compounds that are prefixed by para-) ⇒
metaldehyde
- denoting an oxyacid that is a lower hydrated form of the anhydride or a salt of such an acid ⇒
metaphosphoric acid
Compare ortho- (sense 5)
Word Origin
Greek, from meta with, after, between, among. Compare Old English mid, mith with, Old Norse meth with, betweenUsage examples
Everything's so overmarketed and ironic and meta- and self-referential that it just seems naive if you're earnest.
Globe and Mail (2003)It is one of a series of new technical and scientific terms in the dictionary prefixed with micro- or meta-.
Glasgow Herald (2002)