To seek advice, information, or approval from someone with expertise. Can also mean to refer to a source like a book or document for guidance.
From Latin 'consultare' meaning 'to deliberate, ask advice' (con- 'with' + salire 'to jump'). The root suggests 'jumping together' in discussion. Entered English in the 17th century, originally meaning to deliberate together, later specialized to seeking expert advice.
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