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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

emphasis \em"pha*sis\ ([e^]m"f[.a]*s[i^]s), n.; pl. {Emphases}
([e^]m"f[.a]*s[=e]z). [L., fr. Gr. 'e`mfasis significance,
force of expression, fr. 'emfai`nein to show in, indicate;
'en in fai`nein to show. See {In}, and {Phase}.]
1. (Rhet.) A particular stress of utterance, or force of
voice, given in reading and speaking to one or more words
whose signification the speaker intends to impress
specially upon his audience.
[1913 Webster]

The province of emphasis is so much more important
than accent, that the customary seat of the latter
is changed, when the claims of emphasis require it.
--E. Porter.
[1913 Webster]

2. A peculiar impressiveness of expression or weight of
thought; vivid representation, enforcing assent; as, to
dwell on a subject with great emphasis.
[1913 Webster]

External objects stand before us . . . in all the
life and emphasis of extension, figure, and color.
--Sir W.
Hamilton.
[1913 Webster]

3. a special attention given to, or extra importance attached
to, something; as, a guided tour of Egypt with emphasis on
the monuments along the Nile.
[PJC]

4. something to which great importance is attached; as, the
need for increased spending on education was the emphasis
of his speech.
[PJC]