Webster's English Dictionary

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dilemma

Cross references:
  1. predicament           
 
di.lem.ma \d*-'lem-*\ \.dil-*-'mat-ik\ n [LL, fr. LGk dile-mmat-, dile-mma, 
   prob. back-formation fr. G]k dile-mmatos involving two assumptions, fr. di- 
   + le-mmat-, le-mma assumption 1: an argument presenting two or more 
   alternatives equally conclusive again st an opponent 2a: a choice or a 
   situation involving choice between equally unsatisfactory  alternatives 2b: 
   a problem seemingly incapable of a satisfactory solution  - dil.em.mat.ic 
   aj