Communication, n.
Etymology: [L. communicatio.]
1. The act or fact of communicating; as, communication of smallpox; communication of a secret.
2. Intercourse by words, letters, or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means; conference; correspondence. Argument . . . and friendly communication. Shak.
3. Association; company. Evil communications corrupt manners. 1 Cor. xv. 33.
4. Means of communicating; means of passing from place to place; a connecting passage; connection. The Euxine Sea is conveniently situated for trade, by the communication it has both with Asia and Europe. Arbuthnot.
5 more senses
5. That which is communicated or imparted; intelligence; news; a verbal or written message.
6. Participation in the Lord's supper. Bp. Pearson.
7. (Rhet.)
A trope, by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says we, instead of I or you. Beattie.
Syn. -- Correspondence; conference; intercourse.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for communication; he lists it under conversation.
Where he writes about it:
There may be intercourse without conversation, as by looks, signs, etc.; communion is of hearts, with or without words; communication is often by writing, and may be uninvited and unreciprocated. — from conversation