topic

[top-ik] /ˈtɒp ɪk/
noun
1.
a subject of conversation or discussion:
to provide a topic for discussion.
2.
the subject or theme of a discourse or of one of its parts.
3.
Rhetoric, Logic. a general field of considerations from which arguments can be drawn.
4.
Also called theme. Linguistics. the part of a sentence that announces the item about which the rest of the sentence communicates information, often signaled by initial position in the sentence or by a grammatical marker.
Compare comment (def 6).
Origin
1560-70; < Latin topica (plural) < Greek (tà) topiká name of work by Aristotle (literally, (things) pertaining to commonplaces), equivalent to tóp(os) commonplace + -ika, neuter plural of -ikos -ic; see topo-
Synonyms
2. thesis, subject matter. See subject.
Examples from the web for topic
  • The sun's role in global warming has long been a matter of debate and is likely to remain a contentious topic.
  • The subject swings, inevitably, to the dreaded topic: doping.
  • Browse the list below to find topic pages about science.
  • Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
  • It also can expand their vocabulary by helping them visualize and create their own imagery for the topic.
  • Understand your topic before commenting and making a fool out of yourself.
  • Pick something that fits with your topic of interest.
  • Browse the list below to find topic pages about people.
  • Each year they celebrate a different topic related to conservation and the world.
  • The topic will be approached from biological, physical and artistic perspectives.
British Dictionary definitions for topic

topic

/ˈtɒpɪk/
noun
1.
a subject or theme of a speech, essay, book, etc
2.
a subject of conversation; item of discussion
3.
(in rhetoric, logic, etc) a category or class of arguments or ideas which may be drawn on to furnish proofs
Word Origin
C16: from Latin topica translating Greek ta topika, literally: matters relating to commonplaces, title of a treatise by Aristotle, from topoi, pl of topos place, commonplace
Word Origin and History for topic
n.

1630s, "argument suitable for debate," singular form of "Topics" (1560s), the name of a work by Aristotle on logical and rhetorical generalities, from Latin Topica, from Greek Ta Topika, literally "matters concerning topoi," from topoi "commonplaces," neuter plural of topikos "commonplace, of a place," from topos "place" (see topos). The meaning "matter treated in speech or writing, subject, theme" is first recorded 1720.