Definition of: paradox

(par′ə·doks) noun
1. A statement, doctrine, or expression seemingly absurd or contradictory to common notions or to what would naturally be believed, but in fact really true.
2. A statement essentially absurd and false. See synonyms under RIDDLE². [<F paradoxe <L paradoxum <Gk. paradoxos, -on incredible <para- contrary to + doxa opinion <dokeein think]
—par′a·dox′·ical adjective
—par′a·dox′i·cal′i·ty (-kal′ə·tē), par′a·dox′i·cal·ness noun
—par′a·dox′i·cal·ly adverb