literature

literature
literature [lit′ər ə chər, li′trəchoor΄]
n.
[ME litterature < OFr < L litteratura < littera, LETTER1]
1. the profession of an author; production of writings, esp. of imaginative prose, verse, etc.
2.
a) all writings in prose or verse, esp. those of an imaginative or critical character, without regard to their excellence: often distinguished from scientific writing, news reporting, etc.
b) all of such writings considered as having permanent value, excellence of form, great emotional effect, etc.
c) all the writings of a particular time, country, region, etc., specif. those regarded as having lasting value because of their beauty, imagination, etc. [American literature]
d) all the writings dealing with a particular subject [the medical literature]
3. all the compositions for a specific musical instrument, voice, or ensemble
4. printed matter of any kind, as advertising, campaign leaflets, etc.
5. Archaic acquaintance with books; literary knowledge

English World dictionary. . 2014.

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  • Literature — is the art of written works. Literally translated, the word means acquaintance with letters (from Latin littera letter). In Western culture the most basic written literary types include fiction and non fiction.DefinitionsThe word literature has… …   Wikipedia

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  • Literature — Lit er*a*ture (l[i^]t [ e]r*[.a]*t[ u]r; 135), n. [F. litt[ e]rature, L. litteratura, literatura, learning, grammar, writing, fr. littera, litera, letter. See {Letter}.] 1. Learning; acquaintance with letters or books. [1913 Webster] 2. The… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Literature.de — ist ein Internet Portal, das sich auf Informationen aus und über den Literaturbetrieb spezialisiert hat. Nach Angaben der Betreiber zählt es mit über 500.000 Besuchern im Monat zu den reichweitenstärksten Literaturplattformen des… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

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  • literature — I noun belles lettres. books, classics, information, letters, literary output, papers, printed word, publication, reading matter, store of knowledge, treatises, work, works, writings, written language, written word II index publication (printed… …   Law dictionary

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  • literature — ► NOUN 1) written works, especially those regarded as having artistic merit. 2) books and writings on a particular subject. 3) leaflets and other material used to give information or advice …   English terms dictionary

  • literature — /lit euhr euh cheuhr, choor , li treuh /, n. 1. writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. 2.… …   Universalium

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