to speak; to say; a theory (usually in compounds such as 日心说 heliocentric theory)[cedict]
滴水石穿
dī shuǐ shí chuānㄉㄧ ㄕㄨㄟˇ ㄕˊ ㄔㄨㄢ
dripping water penetrates the stone (成语 saw); constant perseverance yields success; You can achieve your aim if you try hard without giving up.; Persistent effort overcomes any difficulty.[cedict]