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catachreses

 - 1 dictionary result
cat·a·chre·sis   (kāt'ə-krē'sĭs)   
n.   pl. cat·a·chre·ses (-sēz)

  1. The misapplication of a word or phrase, as the use of blatant to mean "flagrant."

  2. The use of a strained figure of speech, such as a mixed metaphor.


[Latin catachrēsis, improper use of a word, from Greek katakhrēsis, excessive use, from katakhrēsthai, to misuse : kata-, completely; see cata- + khrēsthai, to use; see gher-2 in Indo-European roots.]
cat'a·chres'tic (-krěs'tĭk), cat'a·chres'ti·cal (-tĭ-kəl) adj., cat'a·chres'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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