Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Axiom"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Axiom \Ax"i*om\, n. [L. axioma, Gr. ? that which is thought
worthy, that which is assumed, a basis of demonstration, a
principle, fr. ? to think worthy, fr. ? worthy, weighing as
much as; cf. ? to lead, drive, also to weigh so much: cf F.
axiome. See {Agent}, a.]
1. (Logic & Math.) A self-evident and necessary truth, or a
proposition whose truth is so evident as first sight that
no reasoning or demonstration can make it plainer; a
proposition which it is necessary to take for granted; as,
``The whole is greater than a part;'' ``A thing can not,
at the same time, be and not be.''
2. An established principle in some art or science, which,
though not a necessary truth, is universally received; as,
the axioms of political economy.
Syn: {Axiom}, {Maxim}, {Aphorism}, {Adage}.
Usage: An axiom is a self-evident truth which is taken for
granted as the basis of reasoning. A maxim is a
guiding principle sanctioned by experience, and
relating especially to the practical concerns of life.
An aphorism is a short sentence pithily expressing
some valuable and general truth or sentiment. An adage
is a saying of long-established authority and of
universal application.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
axiom
n 1: a saying that widely accepted on its own merits [syn: {maxim}]
2: (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or
disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident
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