utterance

views updated Jun 08 2018

ut·ter·ance / ˈətərəns/ • n. a spoken word, statement, or vocal sound. ∎ the action of saying or expressing something aloud: the simple utterance of a few platitudes. ∎ Linguistics an uninterrupted chain of spoken or written language.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

utterance

views updated Jun 11 2018

utterance2 extremity of force, esp. in phr. (now arch.) to the u. to the utmost limit. XIII. — (with assim. to UTTER1) (O)F. outrance, †oultrance, f. ou(l)trer go beyond bounds:- Rom. *ultrāre, f. L. ultrā beyond; see -ANCE.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD