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a priori definition

a· prio·ri (ā′ prī ôr′ī, -ôr′ē; ä′-)

  1. from cause to effect or from a generalization to particular instances; deductive or deductively
  2. based on theory, logic, fixed rules or forms, etc. instead of on experience or experiment
  3. before examination or analysis

Etymology: L, lit., from what precedes < a, ab, from + priori, abl. of prior: see prior

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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