logomachy

[ loh-gom-uh-kee ]

noun

, plural lo·gom·a·chies.

1. a dispute about or concerning words.
2. an argument or debate marked by the reckless or incorrect use of words; meaningless battle of words.
3. a game played with cards, each bearing one letter, with which words are formed.

logomachy

/ lɒˈɡɒməkɪ /

noun

1. argument about words or the meaning of words

Derived Forms

• loˈgomachist, noun

Other Words From

• log·o·mach·ic [law-g, uh, -, mak, -ik, log-, uh, -], logo·machi·cal adjective
• lo·goma·chist logo·mach noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of logomachy¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Greek logomachía; logo-, -machy

Word History and Origins

Origin of logomachy¹

C16: from Greek logomakhia, from logos word + makhē battle

Example Sentences

Reid and his successors were quite as much alive as Locke to the danger of falling into mere scholastic logomachy.

From Project Gutenberg

This logomachy of vituperation was opened by President Wheelock who wrote an unsigned attack upon the Trustees.

From Project Gutenberg

If this sort of logomachy pleases you as an intellectual exercise, well and good, if it goes no further.

From Project Gutenberg

The following is a specimen of the logomachy of the day, in which Mencius is supposed to have excelled.

From Project Gutenberg

But a greater champion than William was needed to wipe away what seems to the world the cobwebs of mediæval logomachy.

From Project Gutenberg