logomachy

American  

[loh-gom-uh-kee] / loʊˈgɒm ə ki /

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 British  

/ lɒˈɡɒməkɪ /

noun

1. argument about words or the meaning of words

---

Other Word Forms

• logomach noun
• logomachic adjective
• logomachical adjective
• logomachist noun

Etymology

Origin of logomachy

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

Example Sentences

This was just the beginning of the logomachy.

From Slate • Jan. 4, 2012

Sandra also got logomachy, while Dana got triskelion and cuproiodar-gyrite.

From Time Magazine Archive

We are today solid enough, balanced enough, sure enough of ourselves not to be impressed either by logomachy* or gesticulations ...

From Time Magazine Archive

Two theologues once, as they wended their way To chapel, engaged in colloquial fray— An earnest logomachy, bitter as gall, Concerning poor Adam and what made him fall.

From The Devil's Dictionary by Bierce, Ambrose

This “confusion of words” thickened, till the Jesuits introduced in this logomachy with the Jansenists papal bulls, royal edicts, and a regiment of dragoons!

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 by Disraeli, Isaac