Main Entry: ox·y·mo·ron

Pronunciation: \ˌäk-sē-ˈmȯr-ˌän\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ox·y·mo·rons also ox·y·mo·ra \-ˈmȯr-ə\

Etymology: Late Greek oxymōron, from neuter of oxymōros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mōros foolish

Date: 1657

: a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness); broadly : something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements

— ox·y·mo·ron·ic \-mə-ˈrä-nik, -mȯ-\ adjective

— ox·y·mo·ron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb