The Online Dictionary of Language Terminology (ODLT)


sideroxylon
Definition - The phenomenon where an adjective opposes or contradicts the noun it is modifying. The result is an oxymoron.

Example -
square circle or frozen fire

Etymology -
The term derives from the Greek síderos, iron, and xylon, wood.

Oxford English Dictionary -
There is no OED citation for the term in this sense.



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