Ŏx'y-mō'ron, n.

n. [Gr. ὀξύμωρον, a smart saying, which at first view appears foolish, from ὀξύμωρος, pointedly foolish, from ὀξύς, sharp, pointed, and μωρός, dull, foolish.] (Rhet.) A figure in which an epithet of a quite contrary signification is added to a word; as, cruel kindness.