Aph"o*rism (&?;), n. [F. aphorisme, fr. Gr. &?; definition, a short, pithy sentence, fr. &?; to mark off by boundaries, to define; &?; from + &?; to separate, part. See Horizon.] A comprehensive maxim or principle expressed in a few words; a sharply defined sentence relating to abstract truth rather than to practical matters.

The first aphorism of Hippocrates is, "Life is short, and the art is long."
Fleming.

Syn. -- Axiom; maxim; adage; proverb; apothegm; saying; saw; truism; dictum. See Axiom.

• a short phrase conveying some principal or concept of thought.