Definition

A symbol used in ancient texts to show that a part of the text is doubtful or questionable.

Example

The scholar used an obelus to indicate the uncertain passage in the manuscript.

Conversation

I was reading an old manuscript, and I saw this strange symbol, the obelus.

Oh, that's interesting! I've heard it marks uncertain parts in texts.

Yeah, I didn't know what it meant at first, but it makes sense now.

For sure, it helps you understand what the author was unsure about.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Obelus** → The word 'obelus' comes from the Greek 'obelos' (ὀβελός), meaning a pointed pillar or a spit for roasting. In ancient texts, it referred to a mark or symbol used to indicate a passage that was questionable or to denote a division in text. The term evolved to represent the symbol (−) used in mathematics and editing to signify deletion or omission.

Memory Tip

Imagine a pointed object like a spit ('obelos') used to mark something important or questionable in a text — that's how 'obelus' came to represent a symbol for deletion.

Visually Confused Words