{"word":"empirical","date":"2026-09-14","partOfSpeech":"adjective","pronunciation":"im-PEER-uh-kul","definition":"based on testing or experience","example":"The team of conservation biologists has over the years collected reams of empirical data, from species inventories to soil analyses.","etymology":"The word empirical comes from the Greek word empeirikos, meaning experienced or skilled, which is derived from empeiria, experience. The term entered the English language in the 17th century.","source":"merriam-webster","sourceUrl":"https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/empirical-2026-09-14","fetchedAt":"2026-09-14T21:18:09.092Z","cached":false}