sorites

so·ri·tes  (s-rtz, sô-) Logic

adj.

Of or relating to a form of argument in which a series of incomplete syllogisms is so arranged that the predicate of each premise forms the subject of the next until the subject of the first is joined with the predicate of the last in the conclusion. For example, if one argues that a given number of grains of sand does not make a heap and that an additional grain does not either, then to conclude that no additional amount of sand will make a heap is to construct a sorites argument.

n. pl. sorites

A sorites argument.

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[Latin srts, sorites argument, from Greek sreits, from sros, heap; see teu- in Indo-European roots.]

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sorites [sɒˈraɪtiːz]

n

(Philosophy / Logic) Logic

a.  a polysyllogism in which the premises are arranged so that intermediate conclusions are omitted, being understood, and only the final conclusion is stated

b.  a paradox of the form these few grains of sand do not constitute a heap, and the addition of a single grain never makes what is not yet a heap into a heap: so no matter how many single grains one adds it never becomes a heap

[via Latin from Greek sōreitēs, literally: heaped, from sōros a heap]

soritical  [sɒˈrɪtɪk^əl], soritic adj

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sorites

an elliptical series of syllogism, in which the premises are so arranged that the predicate of the first is the subject of the next, continuing thus until the subject of the first is united with the predicate of the last. — soritical, soritic, adj.

See also: Logic

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Sorites a heap or series of propositions; a heap or pile.

Examples: sorites of flaming anthracite, 1871; sorites of facts, 1875; sorites of observances, 1664; song sorites of sciences and tongues, 1670.