Discursus

/dɪsˈkɜːrsəs/ noun

Definition

A discourse or discussion; a running about; the act of ranging widely in thought or speech.

Etymology

Latin noun from 'discurrere' (to run around), literally meaning 'a running about.' It evolved to mean 'discourse' or 'discussion' as extended mental or verbal movement rather than physical.

Kelly Says

This Latin term appears in English academic writing, especially in older philosophical or theological texts. Renaissance scholars used 'discursus' when they wanted to sound learned and precise about an extended, multi-part argument or analysis.

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