Английский словарь Webster - topic

(n.) One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, -denominated by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.