treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrē-təs 

 also  -təz

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

Examples of treatise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet to read his treatise is to feel not FOMO, but alienation. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 July 2024

Taking a leaf from the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes’s famous treatise, the book makes the case for turning the UN into a sort of benign Leviathan. —Roland Rich, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2023

Man and His Works A scientific, readable treatise on cultural anthropology, by a leading authority, professor at Northwestern. —Melville J. Herskovits, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2024

To enforce his personal rule of law, James could censor speech, the press, legal treatises, and the theater. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrēt-əs 

: a book or article examining a subject carefully and completely