sorites

[ saw-rahy-teez, soh- ]

noun

, Logic.

1. a form of argument having several premises and one conclusion, capable of being resolved into a chain of syllogisms, the conclusion of each of which is a premise of the next.

sorites

/ sɒˈrɪtɪkəl; sɒˈraɪtiːz /

noun

1. logic
   1. a polysyllogism in which the premises are arranged so that intermediate conclusions are omitted, being understood, and only the final conclusion is stated
   2. a paradox of the form

      these few grains of sand do not constitute a heap, and the addition of a single grain never makes what is not yet a heap into a heap: so no matter how many single grains one adds it never becomes a heap

Derived Forms

• soritical, adjective

Other Words From

• so·rit·i·cal [saw-, rit, -i-k, uh, l, soh-], so·ritic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorites¹

1545–55; < Latin sōrītēs < Greek sōreítēs literally, heaped, piled up, derivative of sōrós a heap

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorites¹

C16: via Latin from Greek sōreitēs, literally: heaped, from sōros a heap

Example Sentences

Now the rest is concluded by a sorites of foure degrees: As yr, is unto yi: so by the 12.

From Project Gutenberg

Among these logical puzzles are the following: Sorites, the heap trick.

From Project Gutenberg

Two modes of abbreviating a Polysyllogism, are usually discussed, the Epicheirema and the Sorites.

From Project Gutenberg

Certainly the sorites-like form of statement in the scheme of causation had charms for Oriental thinkers.

From Project Gutenberg

The Sorites uses several middle terms by which the predicate of the last proposition is connected with the first subject.

From Project Gutenberg