epigram

views updated May 21 2018

ep·i·gram / ˈepiˌgram/ • n. a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way. ∎ a short poem, esp. a satirical one, having a witty or ingenious ending.DERIVATIVES: ep·i·gram·ma·tist / ˌepiˈgramətist/ n.ep·i·gram·ma·tize / ˌepiˈgraməˌtīz/ v.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

epigram

views updated Jun 08 2018

epigram XV. — F. épigramme or L. epigramma — Gr. epígramma, f. EPI- +gráphein write.
So epigraph inscription XVII; short quotation at the beginning of a work, etc. XIX. — Gr. epigraphḗ. Hence epigraphy (science of) inscriptions. XIX.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

epigram

views updated May 09 2018

epigram a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way; a short poem, especially a satirical one, having a witty or ingenious ending.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES