exposition

noun8

1. •
   The act or process of declaring or describing something through either speech or writing, in nonfiction or in fiction; the portions and aspects of a piece of writing that exist mainly to describe or explain a set of things (such as, in fiction, the setting, characters and other non-plot elements).

   • This essay has too much exposition in it.
   • My reviewer said she couldn't picture the setting for my story, so I'm improving the exposition.
2. •
   An essay or speech in which any topic is discussed in detail.

   • I turned my research into an exposition on the traditional music of Borneo.
3. •
   An opening section in fiction, in which background information about the characters, events or setting is conveyed.
4. •
   An exhibition, especially of goods, artwork or cultural displays to the public.

   • The first prototype was unveiled at an exposition.
5. •
   The opening section of a movement in sonata form; the opening section of a fugue.
6. •
   The action of exposing something to something, such as skin to the sunlight.
7. •
   The abandonment of an unwanted child.
8. •
   (no longer used) The act of expulsion, or being expelled, from a place.