Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- a written essay, treatise, or thesis, especially one written by a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
- any formal discourse in speech or writing.
noun
- a written thesis, often based on original research, usually required for a higher degree
- a formal discourse
1610s, “discussion, debate,” from Latin dissertationem (nominative dissertatio) “discourse,” noun of action from past participle stem of dissertare “debate, argue, examine, harangue,” frequentative of disserere “discuss, examine,” from dis- “apart” (see dis-) + serere “to arrange words” (see series). Sense of “formal, written treatise” is 1650s.