Aphorism
Pronunciation : Aph"o*rism
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. aphorisme, fr. Gr. Horizon.]
Definition : Defn: A comprehensive maxim or principle expressed in a few words; a sharply defined sentence relating to abstract truth rather than to practical matters. The first aphorism of Hippocrates is, "Life is short, and the art is long." Fleming.
Syn. -- Axiom; maxim; adage; proverb; apothegm; saying; saw; truism; dictum. See Axiom.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913