meta-
Prefix meaning transcendent
Meta- is a prefix meaning about itself or at a higher level of abstraction.
Metadata is data about data.
A meta-analysis analyzes other analyses.
Metafiction is fiction aware of its own fictionality.
In casual use, meta describes self-referential humor or commentary: The show got really meta when the characters started discussing their own plot lines.
Going meta means stepping back to examine the framework rather than the content.
Literature aware of itself
- metatextWork commenting on itself
- metanarrativeAll-encompassing explanatory framework
- metalanguageVocabulary describing linguistic structure
- metastatementRemark about language itself
Philosophy examining moral foundations
- metatheoryTheory about theories
- metascienceStudy of research practices
Tissue type transformation
- metamorphEntity that transforms physically
- metaboliteSubstance from cellular processes
- metastableStable but not permanently
- metamorphismHeat-pressure mineral alteration
metafiction
Literature aware of itself
- metatextWork commenting on itself
- metanarrativeAll-encompassing explanatory framework
- metalanguageVocabulary describing linguistic structure
metastatement · metaverse · metajoke · metaanalysis · metaprogramming
metaethics
Philosophy examining moral foundations
- metatheoryTheory about theories
- metascienceStudy of research practices
metatag
Webpage's embedded description
- metainformationData about data
metagame
Strategy beyond stated rules
metaplasia
Tissue type transformation
- metamorphEntity that transforms physically
- metaboliteSubstance from cellular processes
- metastableStable but not permanently
meta-first-order
Simplest logical level
ground-level · direct · primary · concrete · substantive
- metastatic cancerMalignancy spread from origin
- meta dataInformation describing other information
- slow metabolismInefficient energy conversion rate
- high metabolismAccelerated bodily energy conversion
- metabolic disordersImpaired biochemical processes in cells
- fast metabolismRapid bodily energy processing
meta, metaphor, metaphorical, metaphorically, metaphysics, metaphysical, metabolism, metabolic, metabolize