Part of Speech
noun (1),noun (2)
Definition
noun (1)
a symbol (†) used as a reference mark in printed matter, or to indicate that a person is deceased
noun (2)
a mark (− or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to point out spurious, corrupt, doubtful, or superfluous words or passages
Origin + Etymology
Late Middle English; Greek
via Latin from Greek obelos ‘pointed pillar’, also ‘critical mark’
Synonyms
noun (1)
- symbol
- indicator
noun (2)
- symbol
- indicator
Examples
noun (1)
The obelus was used as a reference mark to indicate that the gentleman was deceased.
noun (2)
The obelus was used to mark a word or passage that was corrupt or doubtful.
Usage Over Time
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