thesis definition

<assessment> A written piece of work required for a degree course, of variable length and submitted at the end of doctoral programme.

The examination generally includes an oral assessment called a viva.

See: viva

(08 Mar 2006)

Origin: L, fr. Gr, fr. To place, set. See Do, and cf. Anathema, Apothecary, Epithet, Hypothesis, Parenthesis, Theme, Tick a cover.

1. A position or proposition which a person advances and offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument.

2. Hence, an essay or dissertation written upon specific or definite theme; especially, an essay presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree. "I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, to prepare them." (Goldsmith)

3. <logic> An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.

4. The accented part of the measure, expressed by the downward beat; the opposite of arsis.

5. The depression of the voice in pronouncing the syllables of a word. The part of the foot upon which such a depression falls.

(01 Mar 1998)