'Topic' definitions:
Definition of 'topic'
From: WordNet
Definition of 'Topic'
From: GCIDE
- Topic \Top"ic\, n. [F. topiques, pl., L. topica the title of a work of Aristotle, Gr. topika`, fr. topiko`s of or for place, concerning to`poi, or commonplaces, fr. to`pos a place.] (a) One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, -- denominated by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory. (b) pl. A treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms or commonplaces of argument or oratory; as, the Topics of Aristotle. [1913 Webster]
- These topics, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the orator was directed to consult. --Blair. [1913 Webster]
- In this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct topic, but a transcendent that runs through all topics. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
- 2. An argument or reason. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
- Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no topics can work upon. --Bp. Wilkins. [1913 Webster]
- 3. The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head. [1913 Webster]
- 4. (Med.) An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc. [Obsoles.] --Wiseman. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Topic'
From: GCIDE
- Topic \Top"ic\, a. Topical. --Drayton. Holland. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'topic'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- action,
- anagnorisis,
- angle,
- architectonics,
- architecture,
- argument,
- atmosphere,
- background,
- bone of contention,
- catastrophe,
- catechism,
- characterization,
- color,
- complication,
- continuity,
- contrivance,
- cross-interrogatory,
- cross-question,
- debating point,
- demand,
- denouement,
- design,
- development,
- device,
- episode,
- fable,
- falling action,
- feeler,
- gimmick,
- head,
- incident,
- inquiry,
- interrogation,
- interrogative,
- interrogatory,
- issue,
- keynote,
- leader,
- leading question,
- line,
- local color,
- matter,
- mood,
- moot point,
- motif,
- motive,
- movement,
- mythos,
- peripeteia,
- plan,
- plot,
- point,
- point at issue,
- point in question,
- problem,
- proposition,
- query,
- question,
- question at issue,
- question mark,
- quodlibet,
- recognition,
- rising action,
- scheme,
- secondary plot,
- slant,
- story,
- structure,
- subject,
- subject matter,
- subplot,
- switch,
- text,
- thematic development,
- theme,
- thesis,
- tone,
- trial balloon,
- twist,
- vexed question