Short "hint"

That which forms a basic matter of thought, discussion, investigation; A branch of knowledge as a course of study: A motive, cause, or ground. Also: Being under domination, control, or influence

Watch out! You may see this word with another pronunciation and its meaning is then different.
Used as a noun, listen here, it means: That which forms a basic matter of thought, discussion, investigation; A branch of knowledge as a course of study: A motive, cause, or ground. Also: Being under domination, control, or influence. Used as a verb, listen here, it means: To cause to undergo the action of something specified; To bring under domination, control, or influence .