distinctĭo, ōnis, f. [distinguo].
I (Acc. to distinguo, I. B.)
A In gen.
1 Subject., a distinguishing , discriminating , a distinction : harum rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio, Cic. Fin. 1, 10, 33; so, facilis ingenui et illiberalis jocis, id. Off. 1, 29 fin. : justorum injustorumque (lex), id. Leg. 2, 5 fin. : veri a falso, id. Fin. 1, 19 fin. : quaestionum, Quint. 4, 5, 6 et saep.—
2 Object., a difference , distinction : causarum distinctio ac dissimilitudo, Cic. Fat. 19; so, volucrum, Plin. 10, 11, 13, § 29: quae distinctio sit inter ea, quae gignantur, et ea, quae sint semper eadem, Cic. Univ. 8: nulla in visis distinctio, id. Ac. 2 ( Luc. ), 15 fin. ; Dig. 47, 2, 44.—Pregn.: lunae siderumque omnium distinctio, varietas, pulchritudo, ordo, i. e. the differences in their appearance and motions , Cic. N. D. 2, 5, 15.—
B In rhet. and gram.
1 A separation , division , in discourse; and concr., a mark of separation , sign of interpunction , Cic. de Or. 3, 48, 186; Quint. 1, 5, 27; Diom. p. 432 P.—
2 A figure of speech, separation , distinction , Cic. de Or. 3, 54, 206; Quint. 9, 3, 65; esp. the contrast of opposing ideas , id. 9, 3, 82; the parting of opposing voices or votes , Plin. Ep. 8, 14, 6. —
II (Acc. to distinguo, II.) A setting off , garnishing; an ornament : distinctio honosque civitatis, Plin. 28, 3, 3, § 13.