disputation

Noun

Synonyms: debate public debate controversy contention contestation disceptation tilt argument arguing

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)Synonyms: debate public debate
a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement“they were involved in a violent argument”Synonyms: controversy contention contestation disceptation tilt argument arguing

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Disputation \Dis`pu*ta"tion\, n. [OE. desputeson, disputacion, OF. desputeison, F. disputation, fr. L. disputatio. See Dispute, v. i.]

1.The act of disputing; a reasoning or argumentation in opposition to something, or on opposite sides; controversy in words; verbal contest respecting the truth of some fact, opinion, proposition, or argument. [1913 Webster]

2.A rhetorical exercise in which parties reason in opposition to each other on some question proposed. [1913 Webster]