WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Top"ic
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. topiques, pl., L. topica the title of a work of Aristotle, Gr. topika`, fr. topiko`s of or for place, concerning to`poi, or commonplaces, fr. to`pos a place.] (a) One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from
Definition : Defn: A treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms or commonplaces of argument or oratory; as, the Topics of Aristotle. These topics, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the orator was directed to consult. Blair. In this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct topic, but a transcendent that runs through all topics. Jer. Taylor.

2. An argument or reason. [Obs.] Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no topics can work upon. Bp. Wilkins.

3. The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.

4. (Med.)

Defn: An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc. [Obsoles.] Wiseman.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Top"ic
Part of Speech : a.
Definition : Defn: Topical. Drayton. Holland.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913