Definition of satire

< satiny

satirical >

sat·ire    (str) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit.
   2. The branch of literature constituting such works. See Synonyms at caricature.
2. Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin satira, probably alteration (influenced by Greek satur, satyr, and saturos, burlesque of a mythical episode), of (lanx) satura, fruit (plate) mixture, from feminine of satur, sated, well-fitted; see s- in Indo-European roots