tractate
Americannoun
noun
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a short tract; treatise
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Judaism one of the volumes of the Talmud
Etymology
Origin of tractate
1425–75; late Middle English < Medieval Latin tractātus, Latin: handling, treatment, equivalent to tractā ( re ) to handle, treat (frequentative of trahere to draw) + -tus suffix of v. action
Explanation
A tractate is like a supercharged academic essay — it’s a formal written work that provides a detailed exploration of a specific subject. A tractate is a detailed scholarly text that thoroughly explores a specific topic. Commonly found in academic, legal, and philosophical contexts, these writings are essential for deep dives into complex subjects. For example, a tractate might analyze a legal principle, discuss ethical dilemmas in modern society, or explore historical events in depth. Each tractate provides a foundation for further study and debate, making them crucial for students and professionals who seek to understand specialized topics.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The solidly ravening ghoul at the centre of the Tractate Middoth is 'typical James', and Gatiss can only speculate as to what experiences might have fired the writer's dark imaginings.
From BBC • Dec. 23, 2013
The show is expected to air during BBC2's Christmas holiday schedule, alongside a drama adaptation of James' classic novel, The Tractate Middoth, which Gatiss will write and direct.
From The Guardian • Jun. 12, 2013
The Talmud, in Tractate Sanhedrin, guides that courts ought to actively seek – and prefer compromise in – monetary matters, rather than move to judgment.
From Washington Post • Nov. 28, 2012
Ane compendious and breve Tractate, concernyng ye office and dewtie of Kyngis, Spirituall Pastoris, and temporall Jugis; laitlie compylit be William Lauder.
From Of the Orthographie and Congruitie of the Britan Tongue A Treates, noe shorter than necessarie, for the Schooles by Wheatley, Henry Benjamin
Six years before the publication of the Tractate, Milton had visited Italy, and had been much entertained in Florence by members of the Academy and University there.
From The History of Education; educational practice and progress considered as a phase of the development and spread of western civilization by Cubberley, Ellwood Patterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
