punctum indifferensn.
/ˌpʌŋ(k)təm ɪnˈdɪfərɛnz/, U.S. /ˈˌpəŋ(k)təm ɪnˈdɪf(ə)r(ə)nz/, /ˈˌpəŋ(k)təm ɪnˈdɪf(ə)ˌrɛnz/ A neutral or common point; (also) a person who or thing which remains constant in changing circumstances. Cf. indifferent point at indifferent adj.1 8a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > absence of prejudice > [noun] > absence of definite stance > thing
neuter1522
punctum indifferens1825
1825 S. T. Coleridge Aids Refl. 330 How else could it be (what yet in this text it undeniably is), the punctum indifferens, or nota communis, of the Thesis (Flesh: the World) and the Antithesis (Spirit: Christ)?
1850 C. Kingsley Alton Locke I. xxi. 292 A curious pair of ‘poles’ the two made; the mesothet whereof, by no means a punctum indifferens, but a true connecting spiritual idea, stood on the table—in the whisky-bottle.
1923 A. Quiller-Couch Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing p. xv Such a man is the Friar in this play; its steadying sane mind, its punctum indifferens.
1953 PMLA 68 895 Whether we regard Touchstone as a grotesque philosopher or as the realistic punctum indifferens of the play, we must grant his wisdom.
1990 D. Handelman Models & Mirrors x. 255 Anti-structure evokes the imagery of..a unity of interdependent parts monumental in that which it subsumes, and of the punctum indifferens that stabilizes and anchors cosmic edifices.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1825