noun
treatise
TREE-tis/ˈtriːtɪs/
A formal written work examining a subject systematically.
The scholar consults a detailed botanical treatise.
Etymology
Old French traitis meant an account or treatise and came from a verb meaning “deal with” or “set forth.” A treatise handles a subject by explaining it in writing.
In context
by subsidizing uh a scholar or a group of scholars to write a treatise on the criminal law
More examples
- The library owns an early medical treatise.
- The treatise examines the subject chapter by chapter.
- He cited a lengthy treatise on mechanics.
Forms
treatise · treatises
Similar words
- essay
- An essay is often shorter and more selective; a treatise systematically examines a subject at length.
- monograph
- A monograph studies one specialized topic; a treatise emphasizes sustained systematic treatment.