acatalepsy

noun

acat·​a·​lep·​sy
(ˈ)āˈkatᵊlˌepsē
plural -es
1
: an ancient Skeptic doctrine that human knowledge amounts only to probability and never to certainty
2
: real or apparent impossibility of arriving at certain knowledge or full comprehension

Word History

Etymology

Greek akatalēpsia, from a- a- entry 2 + katalēpsis comprehension, seizing + -ia

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acatalepsy was in 1640

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Dictionary Entries Near acatalepsy

acatalectic

acatalepsy

acataleptic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Acatalepsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acatalepsy. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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