Zoilus

noun

Zo·​i·​lus
ˈzōələs
plural Zoiluses
-sə̇z
also Zoili
-ˌlī
: a bitter and usually enviously carping critic : one given to unjust quibbling and faultfinding : belittler, caviler compare aristarch, momus

Word History

Etymology

after, Zoilus 4th century b.c. Greek rhetorician and critic who was notable for the severity of his criticisms of Homer's poems

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Zoilus

Cite this Entry

“Zoilus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Zoilus. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!