Definitions

1. noun

A symbol (⁂) used to indicate a break in thought or a division between paragraphs in writing, especially in the past.

“The old book featured an obelus to separate the different chapters.”

2. noun

Any of several ancient Egyptian pillars, typically of red granite, used as tomb markers or to commemorate important events.

“The archaeologist studied the ancient obelus discovered in the Egyptian desert.”

3. noun

In music, a mark (‖) used to indicate a change in tempo or other musical notation.

“The conductor pointed to the obelus on the sheet music to signal the tempo change.”

4. verb

To mark or indicate something with an obelus.

“The editor decided to obelize the text to emphasize the change in thought.”