meta-

meta- or met-

pref.

1.

a. Later in time: metestrus.

b. At a later stage of development: metanephros.

2. Situated behind: metacarpus.

3.

a. Change; transformation: metachromatism.

b. Alternation: metagenesis.

4.

a. Beyond; transcending; more comprehensive: metalinguistics.

b. At a higher state of development: metazoan.

5. Having undergone metamorphosis: metasomatic.

6.

a. Derivative or related chemical substance: metaprotein.

b. Of or relating to one of three possible isomers of a benzene ring with two attached chemical groups, in which the carbon atoms with attached groups are separated by one unsubstituted carbon atom: meta-dibromobenzene.

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[Greek, from meta, beside, after; see me-² in Indo-European roots.]

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meta- sometimes before a vowel, met-

prefix

1. indicating change, alteration, or alternation metabolism metamorphosis

2. (Social Science / Education) (of an academic discipline, esp philosophy) concerned with the concepts and results of the named discipline metamathematics meta-ethics See also metatheory

3. occurring or situated behind or after metaphase

4. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) (often in italics) denoting that an organic compound contains a benzene ring with substituents in the 1,3-positions metadinitrobenzene meta-cresol Abbreviation m- Compare ortho- [4] para-¹ [6]

5. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) denoting an isomer, polymer, or compound related to a specified compound (often differing from similar compounds that are prefixed by para-) metaldehyde

6. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) denoting an oxyacid that is a lower hydrated form of the anhydride or a salt of such an acid metaphosphoric acid Compare ortho- [5]

[Greek, from meta with, after, between, among. Compare Old English mid, mith with, Old Norse meth with, between]

Translations

meta-

pref → meta-, Meta-