Conversation-piece


noun
1.
any object that arouses comment because of some striking or unusual quality.
2.
group portraiture representing more or less fashionable people either in an interior or landscape setting.
3.
a play that relies for its effect mainly on the cleverness of its dialogue rather than on plot or action.
noun
1.
something, esp an unusual object, that provokes conversation
2.
(esp in 18th-century Britain) a group portrait in a landscape or domestic setting
3.
a play emphasizing dialogue
An unusual object that arouses comment or interest, as in That bust of Aunt Nettie is ugly but it’s an excellent conversation piece. In the early 1700s this same term was used for a particular kind of painting that represented a group, often a family, arranged as though they were conversing with one another. Later in the century the term was extended to any object that stimulates conversation.

Read Also:

  • Conversation-chair

    noun 1. an English chair of the 18th century designed to be straddled facing the back of the chair with the elbows resting on the crest rail: an English imitation of the voyeuse.

  • Conversation-pit

    noun 1. a usually sunken portion of a room or living area with chairs, sofas, etc., often grouped around a fireplace, where people can gather to talk. noun phrase A sunken area in the floor of a living room where people may gather to chat (1960s+)

  • Conversation-stopper

    noun a remark that is outrageous or unexpected and thereby halts discussion

  • Conversazione

    [kon-ver-saht-see-oh-nee; Italian kawn-ver-sah-tsyaw-ne] /ˌkɒn vərˌsɑt siˈoʊ ni; Italian ˌkɔn vɛr sɑˈtsyɔ nɛ/ noun, plural conversaziones, conversazioni [kon-ver-saht-see-oh-nee; Italian kawn-ver-sah-tsyaw-nee] /ˌkɒn vərˌsɑt siˈoʊ ni; Italian ˌkɔn vɛr sɑˈtsyɔ ni/ (Show IPA) 1. a gathering for conversation and discussion, especially about the arts or literature. /konversatˈtsjone; English ˌkɒnvəˌsætsɪˈəʊnɪ/ noun (pl) -zioni (-ˈtsjoni) -ziones (English) (-tsɪˈəʊniːz) 1. a […]

  • Converse

    [verb kuh n-vurs; noun kon-vurs] /verb kənˈvɜrs; noun ˈkɒn vɜrs/ verb (used without object), conversed, conversing. 1. to talk informally with another or others; exchange views, opinions, etc., by talking. 2. Archaic. to maintain a familiar association (usually followed by with). 3. Obsolete. to have sexual intercourse (usually followed by with). noun 4. familiar discourse […]


Disclaimer: Conversation-piece definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.