/aw ray"sheuhn, oh ray"-/ , n.
1. a formal public speech, esp. one delivered on a special occasion, as on an anniversary, at a funeral, or at academic exercises.
2. a public speech characterized by a studied or elevated style, diction, or delivery.
[ 1325-75; ME oracion oration- (s. of oratio ) speech, prayer, equiv. to orat ( us ) (ptp. of orare to plead, deriv. of or-, s. of os mouth) + -ion- -ION ]
Syn. 1. See speech. 2. discourse, declamation.