/ ˈlɪtrətʃə(r); NAmE ; NAmE also -tʃʊr/ noun [ U ]
1.
pieces of writing that are valued as works of art, especially novels, plays and poems (in contrast to technical books and newspapers, magazines, etc.) :
French literature
great works of literature
2.
literature (on sth) pieces of writing or printed information on a particular subject :
I've read all the available literature on keeping rabbits.
sales literature
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense knowledge of books ): via French from Latin litteratura , from littera letter of the alphabet, (plural) epistle, literature, culture.