释义 |
con·fer·ence \ˈkänfər(ə)n(t)s, -frən-; in sense 4 “ or kənˈfər.ən- also kənˈfə̄rən-\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French conference, from Medieval Latin conferentia, from Latin conferent-, conferens (present participle of conferre) + -ia -y 1. obsolete : comparison of texts : collation 2. : the act of consulting together usually formally : interchange of views : discussion, deliberation < conference maketh a ready man — Francis Bacon > < the president in conference with his advisers > 3. : a meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions whether of individuals or groups: a. : a meeting of the representatives of different nations to discuss international problems or determine general policy < a conference of foreign ministers > < a summit conference > b. : a meeting of members of the two branches of a legislature; specifically : one to adjust differences in the provisions of a bill passed in different forms by the House of Representatives and the Senate c. : a meeting of those members of a legislative body who belong to the same party in order to plan party policy but without binding its members to a certain course of action — compare caucus 4. also con·fer·rence \kənˈfər.ən- also -fə̄rən-\ : conferment (as of an academic degree) 5. a. (1) : a church court of the early English Presbyterians corresponding roughly to the modern presbytery : classis (2) : a stated meeting of preachers and others in the Methodist and Mennonite churches invested with authority to act on or take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters (3) : a voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; also : a district containing such churches (4) : a subdivision of a district in the United Lutheran Church (5) : a semiannual general meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints b. : a league or association of athletic teams especially representing educational institutions < a football conference > c. : an association of firms in the same business for carrying out a common policy — compare trust 6. a. : an informal meeting for purposes of intensive instruction between a teacher and a student or small group of students b. : a brief and intensive course often held during a vacation emphasizing practical experience and demonstration and usually attended by adults |