(em·pir′ik) noun
1. One who uses trial–and–error methods; one who believes experiment is the source of knowledge.
2. Archaic A quack or charlatan.
—adjective Empirical. [<L empiricus <Gk. empeirikos <empeiria experience <en- in + peira a trial]

(em·pir′ik) noun
Among the ancient Greeks, one of a school of physicians maintaining that experiment was the one requisite.