Metae

[mee-tuh] /ˈmi tə/

noun, plural metae
[mee-tee] /ˈmi ti/ (Show IPA)
1.
(in ancient Rome) a column or post, or a group of columns or posts, placed at each end of a racetrack to mark the turning places.
[met-uh] /ˈmɛt ə/
adjective
1.
pertaining to or noting a story, conversation, character, etc., that consciously references or comments upon its own subject or features, often in the form of parody:
A movie about making a movie is just so meta—especially when the actors criticize the acting.
2.
pertaining to or noting an abstract, high-level analysis or commentary, especially one that consciously references something of its own type.
noun
3.
a consciously and playfully self-referential story, conversation, etc.:
That dialogue was an example of meta at its best.
4.
an abstract, high-level analysis or commentary:
writing a meta to explain the character’s motivation.
verb (used without object)
5.
to analyze or comment on something in a meta way:
I spend more time metaing about the show than actually watching it.
/ˈmeɪtə; Spanish ˈmeta/
noun
1.
a river in Colombia, rising in the Andes and flowing northeast and east, forming part of the border between Colombia and Venezuela, to join the Orinoco River. Length: about 1000 km (620 miles)
adjective

self-referential; referring to itself or its characteristics, esp. as a parody; about
Examples

That book is so meta.
noun

something with refers to itself, esp. in self-parodying manner
Examples

A movie-within-a-movie is an example of meta.
Word Origin

meta ‘beyond’