Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Aphorism
Aph′o-rism
,Noun.
[F.
aphorisme
, fr. Gr. [GREEK] definition, a short, pithy sentence, fr. [GREEK] to mark off by boundaries, to define; [GREEK] from + [GREEK] to separate, part. See Horizon
.] A comprehensive maxim or principle expressed in a few words; a sharply defined sentence relating to abstract truth rather than to practical matters.
The first
aphorism
of Hippocrates is, “Life is short, and the art is long.” Fleming.
Syn. – Axiom; maxim; adage; proverb; apothegm; saying; saw; truism; dictum. See
Axiom
. Webster 1828 Edition
Aphorism
APH'ORISM
,Noun.
A maxim; a precept, or principle expressed in few words; a detached sentence containing some important truth; as, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or of the civil law.