dicta

  

dic·ta

[dik-tuh]
noun
a plural of dictum.
Dictionary.com Unabridged

dic·tum

[dik-tuhm]
noun, plural dic·ta [dik-tuh] , dic·tums.
1.
an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion.
2.
a saying; maxim.
3.
obiter dictum.
Origin:
1660–70; < Latin: something said, a saying, command, word, noun use of neuter past participle of dīcere to say, speak; cf. index

Synonyms
1. edict, decree, fiat, order, declaration. 2. adage, proverb, truism, saw.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To dicta
00:10
Dicta is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
LEARN MORE UNUSUAL WORDS WITH WORD DYNAMO...
Collins
World English Dictionary
dicta (ˈdɪktə) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—n
a plural of dictum

dictum (ˈdɪktəm) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—n , pl -tums, -ta
1.  a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement
2.  a popular saying or maxim
3.  law See obiter dictum
 
[C16: from Latin, from dīcere to say]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

dictum
1670, from L. dictum "thing said," neut. of dictus, pp. of dicere "say" (see diction). In legal use, a judge's expression of opinion which is not the formal resolution of a case.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Partners:WordBloglinesCitysearchThe Daily BeastAsk AnswersAsk KidsLife123SendoriHome Advisor
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
About PRIVACY POLICY Terms API Careers Advertise with Us Contact Us Suggest a Word Help
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature
FAVORITES
RECENT