logomachy

[loh-gom-uh-kee]

noun

plural

logomachies 

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

Other Word Forms

• logomachist noun
• logomachic adjective
• logomachical adjective
• logomach 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

His florid vocabulary — he has casually dropped words like logomachy — sounds official without actually saying much.

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Sweeping the subject-matter clear of all logomachies, he lets the light of common day fall upon it.

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

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Gradually, from their pressure upon his spirit, he grew conscious of the outcome—they would not be content with logomachies; the end might be death.

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The debate thus turns on a question of terminology—that is to say, on a vain and barren logomachy.

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