Conference

Multiple Entries:
  Conference    conference  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
Conference/ˈkɒnf(ə)r(ə)ns/

▶noun a dessert pear of a firm-fleshed variety.

– origin C19: appar. named after the National Pear Conference of 1885.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
conference/ˈkɒnfərəns/

▶noun

• 1 a formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically taking place over several days.

  ■ a linking of several telephones or computers, so that each user may communicate with the others simultaneously.

• 2 an association in commerce for regulation or exchange of information.

  ■ a league of sports teams or clubs.

• 3 the governing body of Methodist and other Christian Churches.

▶verb (usu. as noun conferencing) take part in a conference.

– phrases
in conference in a meeting.

– origin C16: from Fr. conférence or med. L. conferentia, from L. conferre (see confer).