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e·len·chus

(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).]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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