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obelus
[ ob-uh-luhs ]
noun
, plural ob·e·li [ob, -, uh, -lahy].
- a mark (− or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to point out spurious, corrupt, doubtful, or superfluous words or passages.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of obelus1
1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek obelós spit, pointed pillar
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Word History and Origins
Origin of obelus1
C14: via Late Latin from Greek obelos spit
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Example Sentences
The purpose of the doubly pointed obelus is plainly indicated here, as it accompanies two of these catchwords.
From Project Gutenberg
But such was not the usage of Budaeus; he employed the obelus merely to call attention to something that interested him.
From Project Gutenberg
In his peculiar notation, Asides are marked by inverted commas, and obvious stage business is indicated by an obelus.
From Project Gutenberg
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