3. (Zoöl.)

Defn: One of the transverse, calcareous partitions between the radiating septa of a coral.

DISSERT Dis*sert", v. i. Etym: [L. dissertus, p. p. of disserere; dis- + serere to join, connect: cf. F. disserter. See Series.]

Defn: To discourse or dispute; to discuss. [R.]
We have disserted upon it a little longer than was necessary.
Jeffrey.

DISSERTATE Dis"ser*tate, v. i. Etym: [L. dissertatus, p. p. of dissertare to discuss, intents, fr. disserere. See Dissert.]

Defn: To deal in dissertation; to write dissertations; to discourse.
[R.] J. Foster.

DISSERTATION
Dis`ser*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. dissertatio: cf. F. dissertation.]

Defn: A formal or elaborate argumentative discourse, oral or written; a disquisition; an essay; a discussion; as, Dissertations on the Prophecies.

DISSERTATIONAL
Dis`ser*ta"tion*al, a.

Defn: Relating to dissertations; resembling a dissertation.