from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Formula \For"mu*la\, n.; pl. E. {Formulas}, L. {Formul[ae]}.
[L., dim. of forma form, model. See{Form}, n.]
1. A prescribed or set form; an established rule; a fixed or
conventional method in which anything is to be done,
arranged, or said.
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2. (Eccl.) A written confession of faith; a formal statement
of foctrines.
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3. (Math.) A rule or principle expressed in algebraic
language; as, the binominal formula.
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4. (Med.) A prescription or recipe for the preparation of a
medicinal compound.
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5. (Chem.) A symbolic expression (by means of letters,
figures, etc.) of the constituents or constitution of a
compound.
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Note: Chemical formul[ae] consist of the abbreviations of the
names of the elements, with a small figure at the lower
right hand, to denote the number of atoms of each
element contained.
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{Empirical formula} (Chem.), an expression which gives the
simple proportion of the constituents; as, the empirical
formula of acetic acid is {C2H4O2}.
{Graphic formula}, {Rational formula} (Chem.), an expression
of the constitution, and in a limited sense of the
structure, of a compound, by the grouping of its atoms or
radicals; as, a rational formula of acetic acid is
{CH3.(C:O).OH}; -- called also {structural formula},
{constitutional formula}, etc. See also the formula of
{Benzene nucleus}, under {Benzene}.
{Molecular formula} (Chem.), a formula indicating the
supposed molecular constitution of a compound.
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from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Empiric \Em*pir"ic\, Empirical \Em*pir"ic*al\, a.
1. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience;
depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in
experiments.
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In philosophical language, the term empirical means
simply what belongs to or is the product of
experience or observation. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
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The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by
empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship. --H.
Spencer.
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2. Depending upon experience or observation alone, without
due regard to science and theory; -- said especially of
medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and
deep insight; as, empiric skill, remedies.
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{Empirical formula}. (Chem.) See under {Formula}.
Syn: See {Transcendental}.
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