*sorite*

n. [ L., from Gr. swrei`ths (sc. syllogismo`s), properly, heaped up (hence, a heap of syllogisms), fr. swro`s a heap. ] (Logic) An abridged form of stating of syllogisms in a series of propositions so arranged that the predicate of each one that precedes forms the subject of each one that follows, and the conclusion unites the subject of the first proposition with the predicate of the last proposition, as in following example; -- [ 1913 Webster ]

The soul is a thinking agent;
A thinking agent can not be severed into parts;
That which can not be severed can not be destroyed;
Therefore the soul can not be destroyed. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ When the series is arranged in the reverse order, it is called the Goclenian sorites, from Goclenius, a philosopher of the sixteenth century. [ 1913 Webster ]

Destructive sorities. See under Destructive. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ 1913 Webster ]