ˈsɪlədʒɪzm n. 1 a
form of reasoning in
which a
conclusion is
drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premisses): a
common or
middle term is present in
the two premisses but
not in the conclusion, which
may be invalid (e.g.
all trains are long;
some buses are long;
therefore some buses are trains: the common term is long). 2
deductive reasoning as
distinct from
induction. øøsyllogistic adj. syllogistically adv. [ME f. OF silogisme or L syllogismus f. Gk sullogismos f. sullogizomai (as
SYN-, logizomai to
reason f.
logos reason)]