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catachresis definition

cata·chre·sis (kat′ə krē′sis)

noun pl. catachreses -·ses′ (-sēz′)

incorrect use of a word or words, as by misapplication of terminology or by strained or mixed metaphor

Etymology: L < Gr katachrēsis, misuse of a word < katachrēsthai < kata-, against + chrēsthai, to use < chrē, it is necessary < ? IE *ĝhrē-, var. of base *ĝher-, small, be lacking

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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