res ipsa loquitur

[ reez ip-suh loh-kwi-ter, lok-wi-, reys ]

noun

, Law.

1. the rule that an injury is due to the defendant's negligence when that which caused it was under their control or management and the injury would not have happened had proper management been observed.

res ipsa loquitur

/ reɪs ˌɪpsɑː ˈlɒkwɪtə /

(no translation)

1. law the thing or matter speaks for itself

Word History and Origins

Origin of res ipsa loquitur¹

First recorded in 1650–60, res ipsa loquitur is from Latin rēs ipsa loquitur literally, “the thing speaks for itself”

Word History and Origins

Origin of res ipsa loquitur¹

Latin