Meta- was first used in that way in metaphysics and has been extended to a number of other disciplines, giving us such words as metapsychology and metamathematics.. Metadata takes the transcending aspect a step further, applying it to the concept of pure information instead of a discipline. Metadata is a fairly new word (it appeared in the latter half of the 20th century), whereas data can be traced back to the middle of the 17th century. First Known Use of metadata 1983
A hot flash is a brief feeling of intense warmth and sweating. Hot flashes commonly occur in women around the time of menopause. Researchers do not know exactly what causes hot flashes. Current theories suggest hot flashes are due to a menopause-related drop in the body's level of female hormones called estrogens. This drop affects the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that regulates body temperature.
Spending time in cold or hot climates can cause hot and cold flashes as the body tries to stabilize its internal temperature, according to the NLM. Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease that may also cause these flashes, according to the Mayo Clinic.