1. (

• exposition ,
• expounding

) a systematic interpretation or explanation (usually written) of a specific topic ;

2. (

• exhibition ,
• exposition ,
• expo

) a collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display ;

3. (

• exposition ,

) an account that sets forth the meaning or intent of a writing or discourse; "we would have understood the play better if there had been some initial exposition of the background" ;

4. (

• exposition ,

) (music) the section of a movement (especially in sonata form) where the major musical themes first occur ;