discourse

nouns

extended verbal expression in speech or writing
is a type of (narrower)
one of the natural units into which linguistic messages can be analyzed
an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
"the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic"; "his treatment of the race question is badly biased"

verbs

to consider or examine in speech or writing
"The author talks about the different aspects of this question"; "The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'"
carry on a conversation
talk at length and formally about a topic
"The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England"