eth·ic 
/ˈɛθɪk/ noun
plural eth·ics /ˈɛθɪk/ noun 1 [count] : rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad
▪ the Protestant/Puritan ethic — usually plural ▪ legal/medical ethics ▪ government/journalistic/professional ethics ▪ His ethics are questionable. [=some of the things he does may be morally wrong] ▪ The company has its own code of ethics. [=its own set of rules about good and bad behavior] 2 ethics [noncount] : an area of study that deals with ideas about what is good and bad behavior : a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong
▪ Ethics is his chosen field of study. 3 [count] : a belief that something is very important — usually singular ▪ a peace ethic ▪ People here have a strong work ethic. [=a strong belief in the importance and value of work]
▪ the Protestant/Puritan ethic — usually plural ▪ legal/medical ethics ▪ government/journalistic/professional ethics ▪ His ethics are questionable. [=some of the things he does may be morally wrong] ▪ The company has its own code of ethics. [=its own set of rules about good and bad behavior]
▪ Ethics is his chosen field of study.
