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diesis

diesis

9.9
A small mark ‡ used in printed text to show the third note at the bottom of a page
  • noun
  • /ˈdaɪəsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : diesis
  • When citing sources, the diesis marks the third reference following the asterisk and dagger.

Examples

  • In academic writing, a diesis is often used to indicate additional references for the reader.

  • The editor added a diesis to clarify the footnote for further information.

  • Simon's separation seems more illustrative of the Cashin diesis.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

double obelisk
vsdiesis
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mark used to show the third footnote on a page

is the same symbol but uses a different traditional name
double dagger
vsdiesis
  • Specialized
8.9

A small mark that shows a third footnote in printed text after an asterisk and a dagger

is the same symbol but called by an alternative name

Surface Forms

diesis singular
dieses plural

Etymology

Diesis comes from an old Greek musical word diēsis meaning 'a small rise' or 'tiny step' in pitch. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a small extra mark: in printing a diesis is the double dagger sign ‡ used after the asterisk and dagger to mark another footnote. That's why a diesis marks the next or third reference on the page.