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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Meta- \Met"a-\, Met- \Met-\ [Gr. meta` between, with, after;
akin to AS. mid with, G. mit, Goth. mi[thorn], E. mid, in
midwife.]
1. A prefix meaning between, with, after, behind, over,
about, reversely; as, metachronism, the error of placing
after the correct time; metaphor, lit., a carrying over;
metathesis, a placing reversely.
[1913 Webster]

2. (Chem.) A prefix denoting:
(a) Other; duplicate, corresponding to; resembling; hence,
metameric; as, meta-arabinic, metaldehyde.
(b) (Organic Chem.) That two replacing radicals, in the
benzene nucleus, occupy the relative positions of 1
and 3, 2 and 4, 3 and 5, 4 and 6, 5 and 1, or 6 and 2;
as, metacresol, etc. See {Ortho-}, and {Para-}.
(c) (Inorganic Chem.) Having less than the highest number
of hydroxyl groups; -- said of acids; as,
metaphosphoric acid. Also used adjectively.
[1913 Webster]

3. A prefix meaning at a level above, as in metaphysics,
metalanguage.
[PJC]