1）[C] a written or spoken statement that strongly criticizes or defends a particular idea, opinion, or person （书面或口头的）争论，辩论，争辩

2）[U] （亦作polemics）the practice or skill of making written or spoken statements that strongly criticize or defend a particular idea, opinion, or person 

3. before-and-after adj. 表示出外形上的尖锐对照；前后形成明显对照的

4. interlude n.

1）a period of time between two events or situations, during which something different happens: 两件事情或两种情况之前的一段时期（尤指有意外情况发生的）

2）a short period of time between the parts of a play, concert etc戏剧或音乐演出各幕之间的短暂间隔[= intermission]