Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Word of the Day


logomachy \loh-GOM-uh-kee\,
noun:
1. a dispute about or concerning words.
2. an argument or debate marked by the reckless or incorrect use of words; meaningless battle of words.
3. a game played with cards, each bearing one letter, with which words are formed.

Their logomachy was far more stimulating to his intellect than the reserved and quiet dogmatism of Mr. Morse.
-- Jack London, "Martin Eden," 1909

By happenstance or design, Conrad has fashioned in Heart of Darkness a logomachy, or battle of words.
-- Theodore Billy, "A Wilderness of Words," 1997

Logomachy comes from the Greek word logomachia from the roots logo- meaning "words" and machy meaning "fighting."

Dictionary.com Word of the Day