Obelus

An obelus (plural: obeluses or obeli) is a term in codicology and latterly in typography that refers to a historical annotation mark which has resolved to three modern meanings:

• Division sign ÷
• Dagger †
• Commercial minus sign ⁒ (limited geographical area of use)

The word "obelus" comes from ὀβελός (obelós), the Ancient Greek word for a sharpened stick, spit, or pointed pillar. This is the same root as that of the word 'obelisk'.

In mathematics, the first symbol is mainly used in Anglophone countries to represent the mathematical operation of division and is called an obelus. In editing texts, the second symbol, also called a dagger mark †, is used to indicate erroneous or dubious content; or as a reference mark or footnote indicator. It also has other uses in a variety of specialist contexts.