‖ metabasis
(mɛˈtæbəsɪs)
[mod.L., a. Gr. µετάβασις, related to µεταβαίνειν to change one's place, f. µετα- meta- + βαίνειν to go. (Cf. basis.)]
A transition, spec. in Rhetoric, from one subject or point to another, in Medicine, from one remedy, etc. to another (= metabola).
| 1657 J. Smith Myst. Rhet. 137 Metabasis... A figure whereby the parts of an oration or speech are knit together: and is, When we are briefly put in mind of what hath been said, and what remains further to be spoken. 1693 tr. Blancard's Phys. Dict. (ed. 2), Metabasis, the passing from one Indication to another, from one Remedy to another. 1882 Sat. Rev. LIV. 347 A somewhat dangerous metabasis which he strives to make from the genus of natural science into that of social philosophy. |