Beware the Dirimens Room

Quote:  “The danger is not just bio-terror but bio-error.” Washington Post.

Figure of Speech:  dirimens copulatio (deera-mens cop-u-LAT-io), the but-wait-there’s-more figure. From the Greek, meaning “an interrupted joining.”

 Thanks to Dave Cantrell for sending this in to Ask Figaro. The Post story describes DNA research that promises—or threatens—to create synthetic lifeforms for use in everything from fuel additives to medicines. An opposing group, calling for a virtual ban against releasing these made-to-order organisms, crafts a sexy little dirimens copulatio.  The figure adds a bonus point to an already-strong argument: “Afraid of terrorism?” it says.  “Well, that’s not the only problem here.”

By making its D. copulatio rhyme, the watchdog group makes error sound like an inevitable add-on to terror. Synthetic additive, indeed.

Snappy Answer:  “What about bio-Luddites?” 

Comments

[a. vrolijk]

Figaro,

terror... error.What about paronomasia?
Paronomasia: play on the sound or meaning of words by a slight change or transposition of letters, by a change in word-form or case.
Yours,

Arie Vrolijk

[a. vrolijk]

Dear Figaro,

A friend of mine suggested another name for "not just bio-terror but bio-error". He said it is an Antithesis, based on the pattern "non x, sed y".
We are both amateurs, as you will have noticed, so we need the opinion of an expert.
Please help us.

Arie Vrolijk.

[Turgut Berkes]

I remember an old anti-nuclear power campaign slogan:

"I'd rather sit in the dark than glow in the dark".

Is this a similar case?

[JB]

From the Greek, meaning “an interrupted joining.” - I think you'll find it's from Latin.