n. 1 written works, esp. those whose value lies in beauty of language or in emotional effect. 2 the realm of letters. 3 the writings of a country or period. 4 literary production. 5 colloq. printed matter, leaflets, etc. 6 the material in print on a particular subject (there is a considerable literature on geraniums).
[ ME, = literary culture, f. L litteratura (as LITERATE) ]