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obelus

ob·e·lus
O o

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [ob-uh-luh s]
    • /ˈɒb ə ləs/
    • /ˈɒ.bɪ.ləs/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [ob-uh-luh s]
    • /ˈɒb ə ləs/

Definitions of obelus word

  • noun plural obelus a mark (− or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to point out spurious, corrupt, doubtful, or superfluous words or passages. 1
  • noun obelus A symbol (†) used as a reference mark in printed matter, or to indicate that a person is deceased. 1
  • noun obelus a mark (— or ÷) used in editions of ancient documents to indicate spurious words or passages 0
  • noun obelus a mark (- or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to indicate questionable passages or readings 0
  • noun obelus dagger (sense 2) 0

Information block about the term

Origin of obelus

First appearance:

before 1350
One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek obelós spit, pointed pillar

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Obelus

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

obelus popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 68% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
According to our data about 60% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

obelus usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Top questions with obelus

  • what is obelus?

See also

Matching words

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