n.
Pronunciation: ' sp ē ch
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English speche, from Old English spr ǣ c, sp ǣ c; akin to Old English sprecan to speak ― more at SPEAK
Date: before 12th century
1 a : the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words b : exchange of spoken words : CONVERSATION
2 a : something that is spoken : UTTERANCE b : a usually public discourse : ADDRESS
3 a : LANGUAGE , DIALECT b : an individual manner or style of speaking
4 : the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking