hearing
hear.ing n 1a: the process, function, or power of perceiving sound; specif : t he special sense by which noises and tones are received as stimuli 1b: EARSHOT 2a: opportunity to be heard, to present one's side of a case, or to be gene rally known or appreciated 2b1: a listening to arguments 2b2: a preliminary examination in criminal procedure 2c: a session (as of a legislative committee) in which witnesses are heard and testimony is taken chiefly dial 3: a piece of news : RUMOR