Definition of: argument

(är′gyə·mənt) noun
1. A reason offered for or against something.
2. Something offered in proof; evidence.
3. A process of reasoning to establish or refute a position by the use of evidence; demonstration.
4. A contest in reasoning; debate; discussion.
5. Logic The middle term of a syllogism.
6. The plot or gist of a literary work.
7. Stat. A number given on the margin of a table to facilitate finding any of the included values.
8. Math. An independent variable from which another quantity can be deduced or on which its calculation depends.
9. Obs. The subject matter of a discourse or discussion; theme. See synonyms under REASON, REASONING. [ < F < L argumentum < arguere make clear, prove]