elenchus

enUK

e·len·chus

E5086725 (ē-lĕng′kəs) n. pl. e·len·chi (-kī) A logical refutation, especially one that disproves a proposition by proving the direct contrary of its conclusion.
[Latin, from Greek elenkhos, refutation, from elenkhein, to bring disgrace to, accuse, cross-examine, refute; probably akin to Hittite linkzi, he swears (as an oath), and Old High German -lingan in antlingan, to answer (ant-, off, away, reversing).]

elenchus

(ɪˈlɛŋkəs) n, pl -chi (-kaɪ) 1. (Logic) refutation of an argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion, esp syllogistically2. (Logic) Socratic elenchus the drawing out of the consequences of a position in order to show them to be contrary to some accepted position[C17: from Latin, from Greek elenkhos refutation, from elenkhein to put to shame, refute]

e•len•chus

(ɪˈlɛŋ kəs)

n., pl. -chi (-kī, -kē). a logical refutation. [1655–65; < Latin < Greek élenchos refutation]

elenchus

a syllogistic argument that refutes a proposition by proving the direct opposite of its conclusion. — elenchic, elenctic, adj.See also: Logic