Obelus facts for kids

An obelus is a special symbol. It can look like two different things:

• A short horizontal line with a dot above it and a dot below it (÷). This is the one you probably know best!
• A small dagger or cross (†).

The obelus is mostly used in two main ways. In math, the ÷ symbol is called the division sign. You use it to show that you are dividing numbers, like 10 ÷ 2 = 5.

The † symbol, which looks like a dagger, is used in writing. It often points to a footnote at the bottom of a page. Footnotes give you extra information about something in the text. It can also be used as a reference mark.

What Does "Obelus" Mean?

The word "obelus" comes from an Ancient Greek word, obelós. This word meant a sharpened stick, a spit (like for cooking), or a pointed pillar.

You might notice that "obelus" sounds a bit like "obelisk". That's because they both come from the same ancient Greek root word! An obelisk is a tall, narrow, four-sided monument that ends in a pyramid shape at the top.

Images for kids

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  This image shows the division sign (obelus) being used in a financial document.

See also

In Spanish: Óbelo para niños