CHIASM Meaning and
Definition
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A chiasm (pronounced "kai-az-uhm") refers to a literary or rhetorical figure that involves a reversal or crossing of words, phrases, ideas, or grammatical structures in a balanced and symmetrical manner to create an artistic effect. It is named after the Greek letter chi (X), which symbolizes the crisscross pattern that the chiasm often takes.
In chiasmus, a sequence of words or clauses is arranged in an ABBA pattern, wherein the first and fourth elements mirror each other, as do the second and third. This arrangement lends a sense of symmetry and balance to the text, emphasizing the contrast or parallelism within its content. Chiasms are commonly used in both written and spoken language to add emphasis, beauty, or rhythm to the expression.
Chiasms can be found in various forms of literature, including poetry, speeches, and religious texts, where they serve to highlight a central idea or to provide a memorable structure. By creating a mirrored pattern, chiasms can build tension, engage the audience, or draw attention to a key concept. They often act as a rhetorical device, captivating listeners or readers through their symmetry and poetic charm.
Overall, a chiasm is a linguistic tool characterized by a specific arrangement of words or thoughts that create a crisscross pattern, emphasizing balance, structure, and rhetorical impact in various forms of communication.
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A decussation or crossing of two tracts, such as tendons or nerves.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHIASM
Etymology of CHIASM
The word "chiasm" comes from the Greek word “khiásma,” which means "crossing" or "crisscrossing". It is derived from the verb "khiazein", which means "to mark like the Greek letter chi (Χ)". This term was initially used in rhetoric to describe a figure of speech where two clauses or ideas are arranged symmetrically and form an X-shaped crossing structure. Eventually, the term chiasm or chiasmus began to be used more broadly to describe a similar crossing or intersecting pattern in various domains, such as literature, biology, and neurology.
Similar spelling words for CHIASM
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