WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : The"sis
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [L., fr. Gr. Do, and cf. Anathema, Apothecary, Epithet, Hypothesis, Parenthesis, Theme, Tick a cover.]
Definition : 1. A position or proposition which a person advances and offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument.

2. Hence, an essay or dissertation written upon specific or definite theme; especially, an essay presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree. I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, to prepare them. Goldsmith.

3. (Logic)

Defn: An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.

4. (Mus.)

Defn: The accented part of the measure, expressed by the downward beat; -- the opposite of arsis.

5. (Pros.) (a) The depression of the voice in pronouncing the syllables of a word. (b) The part of the foot upon which such a depression falls.

pl. Theses.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913