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In this paper the results of an investigation that aimed to identify the role played by the counterexample in the elaboration of mathematical definitions are reported. In particular, the case of the convex function; in a group of university students was analyzed. The principal theoretical and methodological elements that supported the work rest on the contributions in proof and refutations, elements of heuristics, language and axiomatics and in the scientific debate in mathematics courses. As a fundamental result, we emphasized that the scientific debate favored, through the discussion on the concept of convex function and the formulation of counterexamples These contributed to the verification of particular cases, the formulation and refutation of conjectures, until approaching the classic presentation of the definition. We also establish that the counterexample is a didactic resource and a mediation tool that contributes in the processes of elaboration and understanding of the mathematical definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]