/ ˌkɒnslˈteɪʃn; NAmE ˌkɑːn-/ noun
1.
[ U ] the act of discussing sth with sb or with a group of people before making a decision about it :
a consultation document / paper / period / process
acting in consultation with all the departments involved
The decision was taken after close consultation with local residents.
➡ note at discussion
2.
[ C ] a formal meeting to discuss sth :
extensive consultations between the two countries
➡ note at discussion
3.
[ C ] a meeting with an expert, especially a doctor, to get advice or treatment
➡ note at interview
4.
[ U ] the act of looking for information in a book, etc. :
There is a large collection of texts available for consultation on-screen.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin consultatio(n-) , from the verb consultare , frequentative of consulere take counsel.