Definition of: topic

(top′ik) noun
1. A subject of discourse or of a treatise; any matter treated of in speech or writing; a theme for discussion.
2. plural In rhetorical invention, the part that treats of the selection and arrangement of the proofs; also, the places or classes in which the various kinds of proofs are to be found.
3. A subdivision of an outline or a treatise.
—adjective Obs. Topical. [<L topica <Gk. (ta) topica, lit., (matters) concerning commonplaces, title of a work by Aristotle, neut. plural of topikos of a place <topos a place, commonplace] Synonyms (noun): division, head, issue, matter, motion, point, proposition, question, subject, theme. Since a topic for discussion is often stated in the form of a question, question has come to be extensively used to denote a debatable topic, especially of a practical nature; as, the labor question. In deliberative assemblies the motion or other matter for consideration is known as the question; a member is required to speak to the question. In speaking or writing the general subject or theme may be termed the topic, but it is more usual to apply the latter term to the subordinate divisions, points, or heads of discourse; as, To enlarge on this topic would carry me far from my subject.