■ noun
1》 a formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically taking place over several days.
↘a linking of several telephones or computers, so that each user may communicate with the others simultaneously.
2》 an association in commerce for regulation or exchange of information.
↘a league of sports teams or clubs.
3》 the governing body of Methodist and other Christian Churches.
■ verb [usu. as noun conferencing ] take part in a ~.
Phrases
in ~ in a meeting.
Origin
C16: from Fr. conférence or med. L. conferentia , from L. conferre (see confer ).