EPIGRAM


Meaning of EPIGRAM in English

ˈepəˌgram, -raa(ə)m noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English epigrame, from Latin epigramma, from Greek, from epigraphein to write on, inscribe, from epi- + graphein to write — more at carve

1. obsolete : epigraph 1

2.

a. : a short poem treating concisely, pointedly, and often satirically of a single thought or event and often ending with a witticism or ingenious turn of thought

the Earl of Rochester's epigram on Charles II: “here lies our sovereign lord the king, whose word no man relies on; he never says a foolish thing nor ever does a wise one”

b. : a terse, sage, or witty often paradoxical saying

speaks in a characteristically paradoxical epigram of the “sacred duty of lawlessness” — G.L.Kline

— compare aphorism , apothegm

c. : epigrammatic expression

his conversation … was a cascade of wit, epigram , and poetic images — G.H.Genzmer

3. : a small piece of meat (as of lamb, game, poultry) usually breaded and fried and served with a sauce and vegetables as an entree

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.