Definition of "metaphysics"

metaphysics

/mɛtəˈfɪzɪks/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural metaphysics
1. (philosophy, uncountable) The branch of philosophy which studies fundamental principles intended to describe or explain all that is, and which are not themselves explained by anything more fundamental; the study of first principles; the study of being insofar as it is being (Latin: ens in quantum ens).
  Quotations
  The late philosopher Morris R. Cohen of CCNY was asked by a student in the metaphysics course, "Professor Cohen how do I know that I exist?" The keen old prof replied, "And who is asking?"
  1976 September, Saul Bellow, Humboldt’s Gift, New York, N.Y.: Avon Books, page 157
2. (philosophy, countable) The view or theory of a particular philosopher or school of thinkers concerning the first principles which describe or explain all that is.
3. (logic, uncountable, by extension from the philosophical sense) The metalogic of physics; the logical framework of physics.
4. (uncountable, by extension from the philosophical sense) Any fundamental principles or rules.
  Quotations
  The metaphysics of global power has changed. Markets are now more valuable than territory.
  1990 January 1, Lance Morrow, “Gorbachev: The Unlikely Patron of Change”, in Time
5. (uncountable) The study of a supersensual realm or of phenomena which transcend the physical world.
6. (uncountable, derogatory) Displeasingly abstruse, complex material on any subject.
noun
1. plural of metaphysic