n. 1 consultation, discussion. 2 a meeting for discussion, esp. a regular one held by an association or organization. 3 an annual assembly of the Methodist Church. 4 an association in commerce, sport, etc. 5 the linking of several telephones, computer terminals, etc., so that each user may communicate with the others simultaneously. in conference engaged in discussion. conferential adj.
[ F conférence or med.L conferentia (as confer) ]