kəˌmyünəˈkāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English communicacioun, from Middle French communication, from Latin communication-, communicatio, from communicatus (past participle of communicare to communicate) + -ion-, -io, -ion
1. : the act or action of imparting or transmitting
the communication of the common cold
the communication of power to the machine
2.
a. : facts or information communicated
b. : a letter, note, or other instance of written information
he had not yet read the spy's communication
3.
a. obsolete : conversation , talk
b. archaic : personal dealings
c. archaic : sexual intercourse
4. archaic : common participation
5.
a. : access between persons or places : opportunity of communicating
maintaining communication between the regulars and guerrillas
b. communications plural : means of communicating:
(1) : a system (as of telephones or telegraphs) for communicating information and orders (as in a naval service)
(2) : a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles in military operations
(3) : the function in an industrial organization that transmits ideas, policies, and orders
(4) sometimes capitalized : personnel engaged in communicating
c. : a medium through which information is carried
channels of communication in industry
6.
a. : interchange of thoughts or opinions : a process by which meanings are exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols (as language, signs, or gestures)
b. : close or intimate rapport that is sometimes intellectual and often affective
7. : a Masonic lodge meeting
8. or communications plural but singular in const : an art that deals with expressing and exchanging ideas effectively in speech or writing or through the graphic or dramatic arts and that is taught as an integrated program at various levels of education in distinction to traditional separate courses in composition and speech