Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Prolix
Pro-lix′
(?; 277)
, Adj.
[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. Webster 1828 Edition
Prolix
PROLIX
,Adj.
1.
Long; extended to a great length; minute in narration or argument; applied only to discourses, speeches and writings; as a prolix oration; a prolix poem; a prolix sermon.2.
Of long duration. [Not in use.]