obelus
[ ob-uh-luhs ]
/ ˈɒb ə ləs /
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noun, plural ob·e·li [ob-uh-lahy]. /ˈɒb əˌlaɪ/.
a mark (− or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to point out spurious, corrupt, doubtful, or superfluous words or passages.
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Origin of obelus
1350–1400; Middle English <Late Latin <Greek obelós spit, pointed pillar
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use obelus in a sentence
The plan of expressing suspicion by obeli was a good one—it raised the question of genuineness without foreclosing it.
Studies on Homer and the Homeric Age, Vol. 1 of 3|W. E. Gladstone
British Dictionary definitions for obelus
obelus
/ (ˈɒbɪləs) /
noun plural -li (-ˌlaɪ)
a mark (— or ÷) used in editions of ancient documents to indicate spurious words or passages
another name for dagger (def. 2)
Word Origin for obelus
C14: via Late Latin from Greek obelos spit
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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