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discourse

 - 3 dictionary results

dis·course

   [n. dis-kawrs, -kohrs, dis-kawrs, -kohrs; v. dis-kawrs, -kohrs] noun, verb,-coursed, -cours·ing.
–noun
1.
communication of thought by words; talk; conversation: earnest and intelligent discourse.
2.
a formal discussion of a subject in speech or writing, as a dissertation, treatise, sermon, etc.
3.
Linguistics. any unit of connected speech or writing longer than a sentence.
–verb (used without object)
4.
to communicate thoughts orally; talk; converse.
5.
to treat of a subject formally in speech or writing.
–verb (used with object)
6.
to utter or give forth (musical sounds).
Use discourse in a Sentence
Origin:
1325–75; ME discours < ML discursus (sp. by influence of ME cours course), LL: conversation, L: a running to and fro, equiv. to discur(rere) to run about (dis- dis-1 + currere to run) + -sus for -tus suffix of v. action

—Related forms
dis·cours·er, noun
pre·dis·course, noun

—Synonyms
1. discussion, colloquy, dialogue, chat, parley.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
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Word Origin & History

discourse
late 14c., alteration of L. discursus "a running about," in L.L. "conversation," from stem of discurrere "run about," from dis- "apart" + currere "to run." Sense of "formal speech or writing" is first recorded 1580s.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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dis·course   (dĭs'kôrs', -kōrs')   
n.  

  1. Verbal expression in speech or writing.

  2. Verbal exchange; conversation.

  3. A formal, lengthy discussion of a subject, either written or spoken.

  4. Archaic The process or power of reasoning.

v.   (dĭ-skôrs', -skōrs') dis·coursed, dis·cours·ing, dis·cours·es

v.   intr.

  1. To speak or write formally and at length. See Synonyms at speak.

  2. To engage in conversation or discussion; converse.

v.   tr. Archaic
To narrate or discuss.

[Middle English discours, process of reasoning, from Medieval Latin discursus, from Latin, a running about, from past participle of discurrere, to run about : dis-, apart; see dis- + currere, to run; see kers- in Indo-European roots.]
dis·cours'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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