universe of discourse

noun phrase

: an inclusive class of entities that is tacitly implied or explicitly delineated as the subject of a statement, discourse, or theory

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of universe of discourse was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near universe of discourse

Cite this Entry

“Universe of discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universe%20of%20discourse. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!