ˈkän.trəˌvərsē, -və̄s-, -vəis-, -si, Brit also kən.ˈträvə(r)si noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English controversie, from Latin controversia, from contro- (akin to Latin contra- ) + -versia (from versus, past participle of vertere to turn) — more at worth
1.
a. : the act of disputing or contending
b.
(1) : a cause, occasion, or instance of disagreement or contention : a difference marked especially by the expression of opposing views : discussion , dispute , debate
engaged in a long controversy with university officials and had denounced evolutionary teachings — American Guide Series: Minnesota
(2) : quarrel , strife
2. : a suit in law or equity — distinguished from case as not including criminal actions or proceedings
the judicial power shall extend … to controversies to which the United States shall be a party; to controversies between two or more States — U.S. Constitution
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- in controversy