[sym.po.sium] n, pl -sia or -siums [L, fr. Gk symposion, fr. sympinein to drink together, fr. syn- + pinein to drink--more at potable] (1711) 1 a: a convivial party (as after a banquet in ancient Greece) with music and conversation b: a social gathering at which there is free interchange of ideas
2. a: a formal meeting at which several specialists deliver short addresses on a topic or on related topics--compare colloquium b: a collection of opinions on a subject; esp: one published by a periodical c: discussion