English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Latin astĕïsmŏs (the more refined style of speaking), from Ancient Greek ἀστείσμός (asteísmós).

Noun

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asteismus (uncountable)

  1. (rhetoric) Witty dialog or response.
  2. (rhetoric) In dialog, a retort based on a punning use of another speaker's word or metaphor.

Hyponyms

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