ˈkänfər(ə)n(t)s, -frən-; in sense 4 “ or kənˈfər.ən- also kənˈfə̄rən- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French conference, from Medieval Latin conferentia, from Latin conferent-, conferens (present participle of conferre ) + -ia -y
1. obsolete : comparison of texts : collation
2. : the act of consulting together usually formally : interchange of views : discussion , deliberation
conference maketh a ready man — Francis Bacon
the president in conference with his advisers
3. : a meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions whether of individuals or groups:
a. : a meeting of the representatives of different nations to discuss international problems or determine general policy
a conference of foreign ministers
a summit conference
b. : a meeting of members of the two branches of a legislature ; specifically : one to adjust differences in the provisions of a bill passed in different forms by the House of Representatives and the Senate
c. : a meeting of those members of a legislative body who belong to the same party in order to plan party policy but without binding its members to a certain course of action — compare caucus
4. also con·fer·rence kənˈfər.ən- also -fə̄rən- : conferment (as of an academic degree)
5.
a.
(1) : a church court of the early English Presbyterians corresponding roughly to the modern presbytery : classis
(2) : a stated meeting of preachers and others in the Methodist and Mennonite churches invested with authority to act on or take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters
(3) : a voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district ; also : a district containing such churches
(4) : a subdivision of a district in the United Lutheran Church
(5) : a semiannual general meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
b. : a league or association of athletic teams especially representing educational institutions
a football conference
c. : an association of firms in the same business for carrying out a common policy — compare trust
6.
a. : an informal meeting for purposes of intensive instruction between a teacher and a student or small group of students
b. : a brief and intensive course often held during a vacation emphasizing practical experience and demonstration and usually attended by adults