<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the undue use of exaggeration or display; bombast.</li><li>the art or science of all specialized literary uses of language in prose or verse, including the figures of speech.</li><li>the study of the effective use of language.</li><li>the ability to use language effectively.</li><li>the art of prose in general as opposed to verse.</li><li>the art of making persuasive speeches; oratory.</li><li>(in classical oratory) the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience.</li><li>(in older use) a work on rhetoric.</li></ul>