metaphysics

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   The branch of philosophy which studies fundamental principles intended to describe or explain all that is, and which are not themselves explained by anything more fundamental; the study of first principles; the study of being insofar as it is being (Latin: ens in quantum ens).
2. 2
   The view or theory of a particular philosopher or school of thinkers concerning the first principles which describe or explain all that is.
3. 3
   The metalogic of physics; the logical framework of physics.
4. 4
   Any fundamental principles or rules.
5. 5
   The study of a supersensual realm or of phenomena which transcend the physical world.
6. 6
   Displeasingly abstruse, complex material on any subject.
7. 7
   plural of metaphysic