pilpul

[ pil-pool ]

/ ˈpɪl pʊl /

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noun

a method of disputation among rabbinical scholars regarding the interpretation of Talmudic rules and principles or Scripture that involves the development of careful and often excessively subtle distinctions.

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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Origin of pilpul

1890–95; <Aramaic, Hebrew pilpūl, akin to pilpēl to search, debate

OTHER WORDS FROM pilpul

pil·pul·ist, nounpil·pul·is·tic, adjective

Words nearby pilpul

pilot study, pilot waters, pilotweed, pilot whale, pilous, pilpul, Pils, Pilsen, Pilsner, Pilsudski, Piltdown man