-etic, -etics

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.

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.

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!

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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.

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.

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.

Descriptive of the stimulation of the adrenal glands: Thomas learned that his adrenokinetic disorder also referred to adrenokinesis, which was an old-fashioned term.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.