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aphorisms - 2 dictionary results

aph⋅o⋅rism

  [af-uh-riz-uhm]
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–noun
a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton).
Origin:
1520–30; F aphorisme < LL aphorismus < Gk aphorismós definition, equiv. to aphor(ízein) to define (see aphorize ) + -ismos -ism

Related forms:
aph⋅o⋅ris⋅mic, aph⋅o⋅ris⋅mat⋅ic  [af-uh-riz-mat-ik] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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aph·o·rism   (āf'ə-rĭz'əm)   
n.  
  1. A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion; an adage. See Synonyms at saying.
  2. A brief statement of a principle.

[French aphorisme, from Old French, from Late Latin aphorismus, from Greek aphorismos, from aphorizein, to delimit, define : apo-, apo- + horizein, to delimit, define; see horizon.]
aph'o·rist n., aph'o·ris'tic (-rĭs'tĭk) adj., aph'o·ris'ti·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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