*still* more on definition of "meta"

[Jul,Erik]

> Diane Madrigal [SMTP:DMADRIGA at MAIL.NYSED.GOV] writes: 
> 
> No, they don't provide a specific source for their definition, but the
> sentence just before the piece I first quoted is "The word metadata
> shares the same Greek root as the word metamorphosis."
> 
	[Jul,Erik]  

	Ah, now I see the connection.  Unfortunately, it is not wholly
correct.  "Metamorphosis" and "metadata" do share "meta."  That's all
they share.

	Metamorphosis, which we all know to be a "transformation,"
derives from the Greek meta + morphoo (a verb meaning "to give form to"
or "to shape").

	Meta, when used in *compound verbs* such as the Greek verb
metamorphoo ("to transform"), often does impart the meaning of change.

	Our word in question, however, does not derive directly from a
Greek compound verb.  In fact, it's roots are only partly Greek.  "Data"
derives from the Latin verb, "dare," to give.  Thus, datum (singular) is
a thing given.  In English, a fact, a given.

	So, rather than meta having the force of "change" when used in
compound Greek verbs, a usage which does not pertain in the case or
"metadata," it's better to use the sense of "with"; metadata, "that
given with."

	Gristle for thought.

	--Erik

	Erik Jul
	jul at oclc.org