n. 1 an exchange of views, esp. a contentious or prolonged one. 2 (often foll. by for, against) a reason advanced; a reasoning process (an argument for abolition). 3 a summary of the subject-matter or line of reasoning of a book. 4 Math. an independent variable determining the value of a function.
[ ME f. OF f. L argumentum f. arguere (as ARGUE, -MENT) ]