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speech definition

speech (spēc̸h)

noun

  1. the act of speaking; expression or communication of thoughts and feelings by spoken words
  2. the power or ability to speak
  3. the manner of speaking her lisping speech
  4. that which is spoken; utterance, remark, statement, talk, conversation, etc.
  5. a talk or address given to an audience
  6. the language used by a certain group of people; dialect or tongue
  7. the study of the theory and practice of oral expression and communication
  8. Archaic rumor; report

Etymology: ME speche < OE spæc, spræc < base of sprecan, to speak: see speak

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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