Definition of "meta-" in English

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1. (anatomy and zoology) Behind.

2. (botany and zoology) Later or subsequent.

3. (obsolete, architecture and zoology) Situated between two segments.

4. (chemistry) Having fewer molecules of water than the ortho- equivalent.

5. (organic chemistry) in isomeric benzene derivatives, having the two substituents in alternate (1,3) positions; contrasted with ortho- and para-.

6. (biochemistry) Relating to metabolism.

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1. Transcending, encompassing.

2. Pertaining to a level above or beyond; reflexive or recursive; about itself or about other things of the same type. For example, metadata is data that describes data, metalanguage is language that describes language, etc.

3. Having analogies with metaphysics.

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1. (geology) Modified by metamorphosis; analogies and derivatives of metamorphism.

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1. (pathology) Consequent on.