noun

1. Archaic a statement contrary to common belief
2. a statement that seems contradictory, unbelievable, or absurd but that may be true in fact (Ex.: “Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink”)
3. a statement that is self-contradictory and, hence, false
4. a person, situation, act, etc. that seems to have contradictory or inconsistent qualities

Etymology: L paradoxum < Gr paradoxon, neut. of paradoxos, paradoxical < para- (see para-) + doxa, opinion < dokein, to think: see decent