obelus

noun obe·lus \-ləs\

plural ob·e·li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\

Definition of OBELUS

: a symbol − or ÷ used in ancient manuscripts to mark a questionable passage

: the symbol ÷

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Greek obelos spit, pointed pillar, obelus

First Known Use: 14th century

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