Chiasmus


[kahy-az-muh s] /kaɪˈæz məs/

noun, plural chiasmi
[kahy-az-mahy] /kaɪˈæz maɪ/ (Show IPA). Rhetoric.
1.
a reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases, as in “He went to the country, to the town went she.”.
/kaɪˈæzməs/
noun (pl) -mi (-maɪ)
1.
(rhetoric) reversal of the order of words in the second of two parallel phrases: he came in triumph and in defeat departs
n.

in grammar, inversion of word order, 1871, Latinized from Greek khiasmos “a placing crosswise, diagonal arrangement” (see chi).

Adam, first of men,
To first of women, Eve.
[“Paradise Lost”]

Read Also:

  • Chiastic

    [kahy-as-tik] /kaɪˈæs tɪk/ adjective, Rhetoric. 1. characterized by chiasmus. adj. 1856, from Latinized fdorm of Greek khiastos “arranged diagonally; marked with an X” (i.e., resembling the Greek letter chi) + -ic.

  • Chiastolite

    [kahy-as-tl-ahyt] /kaɪˈæs tlˌaɪt/ noun 1. a variety of the mineral andalusite having cruciform carbonaceous inclusions. /kaɪˈæstəˌlaɪt/ noun 1. a variety of andalusite containing carbon impurities Also called macle

  • Chiaus

    [chous, choush] /tʃaʊs, tʃaʊʃ/ noun, plural chiauses. 1. (in the Ottoman Empire) a court official who served as an ambassador, emissary, or member of a ceremonial escort. 2. a Turkish military rank approximating that of sergeant.

  • Chiayi

    [Chinese jyah-ee] /Chinese ˈdʒyɑˈi/ noun, Wade-Giles. 1. . [jyah-ee] /ˈdʒyɑˈi/ noun, Wade-Giles. 1. a city on W Taiwan.

  • Chib

    /tʃɪb/ verb chibs, chibbing, chibbed 1. (transitive) to stab or slash with a sharp weapon noun 2. a sharp weapon, such as a knife or razor Related Terms shiv modifier : something better than shitwork jobs noun Menial and tedious work; degrading routine work; scut work: the boredom, the shitwork, the perpetual deadlines (1960s+)


Disclaimer: Chiasmus definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.