Dictionary

symposium

noun sym·po·sium \sim-ˈpō-zē-əm also -zh(ē-)əm\

: a formal meeting at which experts discuss a particular topic

: a collection of articles on a particular subject

plural sym·po·sia\-zē-ə, -zh(ē-)ə\ or sym·po·siums

Full Definition of SYMPOSIUM

a : a convivial party (as after a banquet in ancient Greece) with music and conversation

b : a social gathering at which there is free interchange of ideas

a : a formal meeting at which several specialists deliver short addresses on a topic or on related topics — compare colloquium

b : a collection of opinions on a subject; especially : one published by a periodical

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Latin, from Greek symposion, from sympinein to drink together, from syn- + pinein to drink — more at potable

First Known Use: 1711

Synonyms: colloquy, conference, council, panel, panel discussion, parley, powwow, round-robin, roundtable, seminar, forum

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