eristic

e·ris·tic  (-rstk) also e·ris·ti·cal (-t-kl)

adj.

Given to or characterized by disputatious, often specious argument.

n.

1. One given to or expert in dispute or argument.

2. The art or practice of disputation and polemics.

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[Greek eristikos, from erizein, to wrangle, quarrel, from eris, erid-, strife.]

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eristic

1. a participant in an argument or controversy.
2. the art of disputation. — eristic, eristical, adj.

See also: Argumentation

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	eristic - a person who disputes; who is good at or enjoys controversy controversialist, disputant individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul - a human being; "there was too much for one person to do" contester - someone who contests an outcome (of a race or an election etc.) accuser - someone who imputes guilt or blame arguer, debater - someone who engages in debate denier - one who denies hairsplitter - a disputant who makes unreasonably fine distinctions logomach, logomachist - someone given to disputes over words obstructer, obstructionist, obstructor, resister, thwarter - someone who systematically obstructs some action that others want to take quarreler, quarreller - a disputant who quarrels crusader, meliorist, reformer, reformist, social reformer - a disputant who advocates reform
	2.	eristic - the art of logical disputation (especially if specious) artistry, prowess, art - a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation; "the art of conversation"; "it's quite an art"
Adj.	1.	eristic - given to disputation for its own sake and often employing specious arguments eristical argumentative - given to or characterized by argument; "an argumentative discourse"; "argumentative to the point of being cantankerous"; "an intelligent but argumentative child"