method

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɛθəd/

noun

  • a particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one: a method for software maintenance labour-intensive production methods
  • [mass noun] the quality of being well organized and systematic in thought or action: historical study is the rigorous combination of knowledge and method
  • (usually Method)short for method acting Paula was at least hip to the Method [as modifier]: reliance on Method technique

Phrases

there is method in someone's madness

there is a sensible foundation for what appears to be foolish or strange behaviour: whatever he was about, there was method in his madness
[from Shakespeare's Hamlet ( ii. ii. 211)]

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'prescribed medical treatment for a disease'): via Latin from Greek methodos 'pursuit of knowledge', from meta- (expressing development) + hodos 'way'