treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrē-təs 

also -təz

1

: a systematic exposition or argument in writing including a methodical discussion of the facts and principles involved and conclusions reached

a treatise on higher education

2

obsolete : account, tale

Examples of treatise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Released on September 29, this 352-page treatise—laden with evocative photography—was written by Eric Hendrikx and published by Artisan Books. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026

Drawing on a variety of sources—from philosophical treatises to poems and popular jokes—this compact study shows how writers of the Roman era rendered animals, domestic and wild, as imperial subjects. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

But any sense this might be more sociological treatise than movie is curtailed by the sheer amount of life director Lee Chang-dong puts onscreen. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Although ostensibly a satire of Victorian society, the work also contains a mathematical treatise on the fourth dimension. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tretis, from Anglo-French tretiz, alteration of tretez, traitet, from Medieval Latin tractatus, from Latin tractare to treat, handle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for treatise

• fetus
• foetus
• meatus
• thetis
• caritas
• mellitus
• cellulitis
• margaritas
• tonsillitis

Kids Definition

treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrēt-əs 

: a book or article examining a subject carefully and completely