Pro*lix" (?; 277), a. [L.
prolixus extended, long, prolix, probably fr. pro
before, forward + liqui to flow, akin to liquidus
liquid; cf. OL. lixa water: cf. F. prolixe. See
Liquid.]
1. Extending to a great length; unnecessarily
long; minute in narration or argument; excessively particular in
detail; -- rarely used except with reference to discourse written or
spoken; as, a prolix oration; a prolix poem; a
prolix sermon.
With wig prolix, down flowing to his
waist.
Cowper.
2. Indulging in protracted discourse; tedious;
wearisome; -- applied to a speaker or writer.
Syn. -- Long; diffuse; prolonged; protracted; tedious;
tiresome; wearisome. -- Prolix, Diffuse. A
prolix writer delights in circumlocution, extended detail, and
trifling particulars. A diffuse writer is fond of amplifying,
and abounds in epithets, figures, and illustrations.
Diffuseness often arises from an exuberance of imagination;
prolixity is generally connected with a want of it.
