FORUM
forum, assembly, meeting place
(noun) a public facility to meet for open discussion
forum
(noun) a public meeting or assembly for open discussion
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
forum (plural forums or fora)
A place for discussion.
A gathering for the purpose of discussion.
A form of discussion involving a panel of presenters and often participation by members of the audience.
(Internet) An Internet message board where users can post messages regarding one or more topics of discussion.
(historical) A square or marketplace in a Roman town, used for public business and commerce.
Usage notes
The English plural forums is preferred to the Latin plural fora in normal English usage.
Source: Wiktionary
Fo"rum, n.; pl. E. Forums, L. Fora. Etym: [L.; akin to foris, foras,
out of doors. See Foreign.]
1. A market place or public place in Rome, where causes were
judicially tried, and orations delivered to the people.
2. A tribunal; a court; an assembly empowered to hear and decide
causes.
He [Lord Camden] was . . . more eminent in the senate than in the
forum. Brougham.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition