elenchus

noun

elen·chus i-ˈleŋ-kəs

plural elenchi i-ˈleŋ-ˌkī

-(ˌ)kē

: refutation

especially : one in syllogistic form

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek elenchos

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of elenchus was in 1663

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elench

elenchus

elenctic

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Elenchus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elenchus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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elenchus

noun

Word History

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