treatise

play

noun trea·tise \ˈtrē-təs also -təz\

Definition of treatise

1 : a systematic exposition or argument in writing including a methodical discussion of the facts and principles involved and conclusions reached a treatise on higher education
2 obsolete : account, tale

See treatise defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of treatise from the Web

Where Dr. Seuss had colorful characters and catchy rhyme schemes, the Bank of England has dry treatises on inflation without a single rhyme or clever turn of phrase in sight.

— weston williams, The Christian Science Monitor, "How the Bank of England took a page from Dr. Seuss", 31 May 2017
In the decades since, he has been venerated with a statue, an annual award at West Point and even a Malcolm Gladwell treatise on human potential.

— dave philipps, New York Times, "War Hero’s Family Suing in Its Decades-Long Fight to Identify Remains", 29 May 2017
While at the Vatican, Trump received from Pope Francis a copy of his 2015 papal treatise that links fossil fuels to global warming.

— Fox News, "Trump wraps overseas trip with thanks to US troops, standing firm on terrorism, climate change concerns", 27 May 2017
The German philosopher was best known for Truth and Method, a 1960 treatise on the shifting nature of human understanding.

— wired staff, WIRED, "Passage: Hans-Georg Gadamer, 102", 15 Mar. 2002

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'treatise'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of treatise

Middle English tretis, from Anglo-French tretiz, alteration of tretez, traitet, from Medieval Latin tractatus, from Latin tractare to treat, handle

First Known Use: 14th century