kənˈvɜːs dɪsˈkʌs dɪsˈkʌs dɪˈskʌʃən ˈpɹiːtʃɪŋ ˈsɜː.mən ˈsɝ.mən ˈtɹiːtmənt talk at length and formally about a topic The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England carry on a conversation to consider or examine in speech or writing The author talks about the different aspects of this question The class discussed Dante's ‘Inferno’ extended verbal expression in speech or writing an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic his treatment of the race question is badly biased an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)