n. 1. a. A literary work in which human foolishness or vice is attacked through irony, derision, or wit. b. The branch of literature constituting such works. 2. Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose human foolishness or vice. [Latin satira, probably alteration (influenced by Greek satur, satyr, and saturos, burlesque of a mythical episode) of (lanx) satura, fruit (plate) mixture, from feminine of satur, sated, well-fitted; see sā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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