Definition of: speech

(spēch) noun
1. The faculty of expressing thought and emotion by spoken words; the power of speaking.
2. The act of speaking, involving the production of meaningful combinations of distinctive speech sounds.
3. That which is spoken; conversation; talk; a saying or remark.
4. A public address; a discourse.
5. A characteristic manner of speaking: His speech is loud and unpleasant.
6. A particular language, idiom, or dialect: American speech.
7. Any audible or visible method of communication, including cries, gestures, and sign language.
8. The study of oral communication, including the physiology of articulation, the nature of speech sounds, and the techniques of effective expression. [OE spec, sprec <specan, sprecan speak] Synonyms: address, discourse, discussion, disquisition, dissertation, eloquence, harangue, oration, oratory, sermon. Speech is the general word for utterance of thought in language. A speech is the simplest mode of delivering one's sentiments; an oration is an elaborate and prepared speech; a harangue is a vehement appeal to passion, or a speech that has something disputatious and combative in it. A discourse is a set speech on a definite subject intended to convey instruction. See LANGUAGE. Antonyms: hush, silence, stillness.