discourse | |
1. n. (archaic) Verbal exchange, conversation. | |
2. n. Expression in words, either speech or writing. | |
3. n. A formal lengthy exposition of some subject, either spoken or written. | |
The preacher gave us a long discourse on duty. | |
4. n. Any rational expression, reason. | |
5. n. (social sciences) An institutionalized way of thinking, a social boundary defining what can be said about a specific topic (after Michel Foucault). | |
6. n. (obsolete) Dealing; transaction. | |
7. v. (intransitive) To engage in discussion or conversation; to converse. | |
8. v. (intransitive) To write or speak formally and at length. | |
9. v. (obsolete, transitive) To debate. | |
10. v. To exercise reason; to employ the mind in judging and inferring; to reason. | |
11. v. (obsolete, transitive) To produce or emit (musical sounds). | |