ox·y·mo·ron ( k s -môr n, -m r-)n. pl. ox·y·mo·ra (-môr  , -mr) or ox·y·mo·rons A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. [Greek oxum ron, from neuter of oxumros, pointedly foolish : oxus, sharp; see oxygen + mros, foolish, dull.]ox y·mo·ronic (-m-rn k) adj.ox y·mo·roni·cal·ly adv. |
oxymoron [ˌɒksɪˈmɔːrɒn]
n pl -mora [-ˈmɔːrə]
(Literary & Literary Critical Terms) Rhetoric an epigrammatic effect, by which contradictory terms are used in conjunction living death fiend angelical
[via New Latin from Greek oxumōron, from oxus sharp + mōros stupid]
oxymoron
a rhetorical device or figure of speech in which contradictory or opposite words or concepts are combined for effect. — oxymoronic, adj.
See also: Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  oxymoron - conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence') |
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