-etic, -etics

(Greek: -etikos, an adjective suffix meaning "pertaining to, of the nature of" for nouns ending in -esis)

abiogenetic (adjective) (not comparable)
Of or pertaining to that which does not result from the activities of living organisms: The former abiogenetic theory that plant and animal life can spontaneously arise from nonliving organic matter in a relatively short period of time has been rejected by just about everyone.
acetic (uh SEE tik) (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Sour, tart, tangy, acerbic: The pickles that Mary had were much too ascetic and much too sour!
2. A reference to vinegar or other acid characteristics: The acetic flavor of vinegar is used in salad dressings to give them a little punch.
acetic (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Having the nature of vinegar: The result of acetic fermentation is a sour-tasting liquid and only requires oxygen, bacteria, and alcohol.
2. Pertaining to, derived from, or producing vinegar: The typical everyday wines are low in acetic acid except the red wines which may be immoderately acetic and taste quite sour!
acetic; ascetic; aesthetic, esthetic
acetic (uh SEE tik) (adjective)
1. Sour, acerbic: These pickles are too acetic; that is, too sour!
2. A reference to vinegar or other acid characteristics: The acetic flavor of vinegar is used in salad dressings to give them a little punch.
ascetic (uh SET ik) (adjective)
A life of rigorous self-discipline and self-denial; an abstainer: Some people believe that most of the early saints chose to live an ascetic lifestyle.
aesthetic, esthetic (es THET ik) (adjective)
Characterized by a heightened sensitivity to beauty: There are practical as well as aesthetic reasons for planting trees.
Showing good taste or being artistic.
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Sometimes a very ascetic person can develop an acetic personality which spoils the natural aesthetic potential of the individual.

acmesthetic (adjective), more acmesthetic, most acmesthetic
Relating to a sensation of sharp points touching the skin but lacking the perception of pain usually associated with such stimulation: Glenda had an acmesthetic feeling when the point of the needle was put into her arm, so she didn't feel any pain.

Man is an intelligence in servitude to his organs.

-Aldous Huxley
acrophonic (adjective), more acrophonic, most acrophonic
Referring to the use of symbols to represent sounds: An acrophonic alphabet is one that uses pictographs to represent the aword beginning with the sound of that letter.

The Greek, Hebrew, and Roman alphabets were derived from the early acrophonic alphabet of Canaanites.

adipokinetic (adjective) (not comparable)
Relating to a substance or factor that causes movement of stored lipid (fat): An adipokinetic agent is one that moves or circulates stored fat in a person's body.
adrenokinetic (adjective) (not comparable)
Descriptive of the stimulation of the adrenal glands: Thomas learned that his adrenokinetic disorder also referred to adrenokinesis, which was an old-fashioned term.
adrenomimetic (adjective) (not comparable)
Referring to a process resembling that of the adrenal hormones; sympathomimetic: An adrenomimetic action is similar to that of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

The adrenomimetic activity is similar to those of adrenergic compounds which are released from the suprarenal medulla and adrenergic nerves.

aerodonetics (s) (noun) (no pl)
The study dealing with the stability of a flying machine: Mark had to learn all about aerodenetics before being allowed to sore or fly with a glider.
aeromagnetics (s) (noun) (no pl)
The scientific study of the Earth's magnetic characteristics as measured from the air: Aeromagnetics is especially interesting and can be exciting when it pertains to thunderstorms!
aesthetics, esthetics (s) (noun) (no pl)
1. The study, or philosophy, of beauty: Shannon enrolled in the university program for aesthetics, planning to become an art critic.
2. The study of what is considered beautiful, harmonious, and cultured: Nathaniel, the theater critic, commented on the aesthetics of the play, noting the balance and harmonious nature of the characters.
3. The way something looks, especially when considered in terms of how pleasing it is: The towers of the town had an aesthetics about them that was charming and pleasing.
4. A guiding principle in matters of artistic beauty and taste; artistic sensibility: Because Jason aspired to be an artist, he enrolled in a course on esthetics to enhance his knowledge and understanding of beauty.
agathopoietic (adjective), more agathopoietic, most agathopoietic
A proposed technical epithet for, "intended to do good", "of beneficent tendency": Kitty was known by her friends as agathopoietic because she always desired to do good things for others.
agonothetic (adjective) (not comparable)
Descriptive of an agonothete or the office of an agonothete: The agonothetic responsibilities of presiding over the public contests in Ancient Greece involved making important decisions.
agricultural energetics (pl) (noun)
The various forms of energy involved in the process of agriculture: Agricultural energetics can refer either to inputs (for example, human labor, animal power, electricity, etc.) or to useful outputs (such as food, manure, etc.).

Specifically, agricultural energetics concern the relationship between energy in the form of food produced and the energy input required to achieve this production.