1. (n.) A violent effort or struggle to obtain, or to resist, something; contest; strife.

2. (n.) Strife in words; controversy; altercation; quarrel; dispute; as, a bone of contention.

3. (n.) Vehemence of endeavor; eagerness; ardor; zeal.

4. (n.) A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion or strife; a position taken or contended for.