Greek · prefix
meta-
with, after; change
Forms
- meta-
- met- — Used before a vowel without an initial h sound in Greek.
- meth- — Used before a vowel that began with an h sound in Greek.
Origin
Greek meta, ‘with; among; after’; its deeper ancestry is uncertain.
Note
The modern sense ‘about itself’ is a later extension of this prefix.
Words sharing this root
metabolicRelating to the chemical processes that sustain life in an organism.metabolismThe chemical processes by which a living thing uses energy and materials.metamorphoseTo change or cause to change into a completely different form.metamorphosisA profound change in form or nature.metaphorAn expression or representation that conveys an idea by presenting one thing as another.metaphysicsThe branch of philosophy that studies the fundamental nature of reality and existence.metastasisThe establishment of cancer away from its original site.methodA systematic way of carrying out a task.methodUsing deep emotional identification with a character in acting.methodicalDone or working in a careful, orderly way.