meta-

combining form

• 1denoting a change of position or condition:metamorphosis metathesis

• 2denoting position behind, after, or beyond:metacarpus

• 3denoting something of a higher or second-order kind:metalanguage metonym

• 4 Chemistry denoting substitution at two carbon atoms separated by one other in a benzene ring, e.g., in 1,3 positions:metadichlorobenzeneCompare with ortho- and para-¹.

• 5 Chemistry denoting a compound formed by dehydration:metaphosphoric acid