Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - speaking

n. & adj. --n. the act or an instance of uttering words etc. --adj. 1 that speaks; capable of articulate speech. 2 (of a portrait) lifelike; true to its subject (a speaking likeness). 3 (in comb.) speaking or capable of speaking a specified foreign language (French-speaking). 4 with a reference or from a point of view specified (roughly speaking; professionally speaking). Phrases and idioms on speaking terms (foll. by with) 1 slightly acquainted. 2 on friendly terms. speaking acquaintance 1 a person one knows slightly. 2 this degree of familiarity. speaking clock Brit. a telephone service giving the correct time in words. speaking-trumpet hist. an instrument for making the voice carry. speaking-tube a tube for conveying the voice from one room, building, etc., to another.