obelus

obe·lus

noun \-ləs\

plural ob·e·li\-ˌlī, -ˌlē\

Definition of OBELUS

1

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

2

: the symbol ÷

Origin of OBELUS

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

First Known Use: 14th century