aphorism

Etymology

From Middle French aphorisme, from Late Latin aphorismus, from Ancient Greek ἀφορισμός (aphorismós, “pithy phrase containing a general truth”), from ἀφορίζω (aphorízō, “I define, mark off or determine”), from ἀπό (apó, “off”) + ὁρίζω (horízō, “I divide, bound”), from ὅρος (hóros, “boundary”).

noun

1. A concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle.

verb

1. To speak or write aphorisms.
   But after each of us had inscribed his share (once I robbed my Aegidius for the purpose), our literary union was over; each of us tore his contribution out of the book and “aphorismed” on his own from then on. 1971, Arthur Schnitzler, My Youth in Vienna, page 95
   He was thoughtful: “Preferences define superiority,” he aphorismed. “As long as preferences are not made godly edicts." 1978, Vikram Kapur, The Traumatic Bite, page 32
   “I don't know what more to do,” she confessed. “I've aphorismed my heart out and relationships have not improved one whit, it seems." 2003, Arthur Herzog, Glad to Be Here, page 146