Meta-

Meta- is a prefix normally used before a vowel, providing the representation of a sense of sharing, action in common, pursuit, or quest with the object employed. This prefix is borrowed from Greek meta, a preposition meaning with, after, or between.

In Metaphysics, for example, Meta- is used to form a designation for a higher science of the same nature, but dealing with ulterior problems. (Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 1973, p. 1313)


Compiled by

Joshua Bills jdb5@cec.wustl.edu Last updated 11/8/94.