n. pl. ox·y·mo·rons or ox·y·mo·ra (-môrə) A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. [Greek (attested only in Latin sources) oxumōron, an expression that is witty because paradoxical, from neuter of *oxumōros, pointedly foolish : Greek oxus, sharp, keen; see OXYGEN + mōros, dull, foolish.] ox′y·mo·ronic (-mə-rŏnĭk) adj. ox′y·mo·roni·cal·ly adv. |
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