Aph"o*rism (?), n. [F. aphorisme,
fr. Gr. ? definition, a short, pithy sentence, fr. ? to mark off by
boundaries, to define; ? from + ? 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.