aphorisms

Noun

aphorism (plural aphorisms)

1. A concise expression of a principle in an area of knowledge; an axiom, a precept.
   • [K]novvledge, vvhile it is in Aphoriſmes and obſeruations, it is in grovveth [growth]; but vvhen it once is comprehended in exact Methodes; it may perchance be further polliſhed and illuſtrate, and accommodated for vſe and practiſe; but it encreaſeth no more in bulke and ſubſtance.1605, Francis Bacon, “The First Booke”, in The Twoo Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the Proficience and Aduancement of Learning, Diuine and Humane, London: […] [Thomas Purfoot and Thomas Creede] for...
2. (generally) A concise or pithy, and memorable, expression of a general truth; a maxim, a saying.
   • Is not thy common talke ſound Aphoriſmes?1589–1592 (date written), Ch[ristopher] Marl[owe], The Tragicall History of D. Faustus. […], London: […] V[alentine] S[immes] for Thomas Bushell, published 1604, →OCLC, signature A2, verso

   Synonyms:

   adage, apophthegm, apothegm, pearl of wisdom, byword, saying, saw, proverb, maxim, dictum

3. (obsolete, rare) The essence or heart of something.
   • VVe are novv to annexe the concluſion of the ſong, […] The partes are three. […] 3. A ſentence of acclamation, the aphoriſme and iuice of the vvhole ſonge, […]1594 (date delivered), John Kinge, “The XXIX. Lectvre. [Jonah] Chap[ter] 2. Ver[se] 8, & 9.”, in Lectvres vpon Ionas, Delivered at Yorke in the Yeare of Our Lorde 1594, revised edition, Oxford...

See all 4 meanings of aphorism