On Mon, 02 May 2005 12:56:55 GMT, Jose
wrote in ::

Do you have some data to support that, or is that opinion empirically
derived? :-)

"empirical" means "by experiment" (data). As opposed to "by theory"
(mathematics and modelling)

While what you assert is true, given Merriam-Webster's definition:

Main Entry:empirical
Pronunciation:-i-k*l
Variant:also empiric \-ik\
Function:adjective
Date:1569

1 : originating in or based on observation or experience
*empirical data*
2 : relying on experience or observation alone often without due
regard for system and theory
3 : capable of being verified or disproved by observation or
experiment *empirical laws*
4 : of or relating to empiricism
–empirically \-i-k(*-)l*\ adverb

I wonder why you felt the need to define the meaning of the word.
What was your point?