adj. & n.
--adj. of or relating to the Greek philosopher Socrates (d. 399 BC) or his philosophy, esp. the method associated with him of seeking the truth by a series of questions and answers.
--n. a follower of Socrates.
Phrases and idioms:
Socratic irony a pose of ignorance assumed in order to entice others into making statements that can then be challenged.
Derivatives:
Socratically adv.
Etymology: L Socraticus f. Gk Sokratikos f. Sokrates