As a Noun: 1. A sentence or phrase from a book, film, poem, song, or play. English = quote, quotation. 2. Punctuation marks that are used to show where something someone has said or a quotation begins and ends. English = quotation marks, inverted commas. 3. The thing, person, or idea that is being discussed or written about. English = topic. 4. An important subject for discussion and debate. English = issue. 5. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To repeat the exact words or signs that someone has said or written. English = quote. Formal English = cite. 2. To be the name or word that is generally used to describe something. You feel that there is something wrong or inappropriate about that name or word. English = (be) so-called.