What signifies the end of an argument or discussion in a meeting?

The end of an argument or discussion in a meeting is signified by the raising of the gavel, which is a traditional signal used by a presiding officer, such as a chairperson or president, to restore order and indicate that the discussion on a particular motion or topic is over. When the gavel is raised, it serves as a cue to the attendees that either the debate has concluded or decisions are about to be finalized. This action is part of the formalities of parliamentary procedure, emphasizing the authority of the presiding officer to maintain order and facilitate the flow of the meeting.

In contrast, while the conclusion of debate might signify an end to a discussion, it does not inherently prompt the action taken by the presiding officer to conclude the matter in a formal sense. A majority vote would determine the outcome of a motion under discussion but does not itself indicate that the discussion is over; debates can continue even after voting is complete on a related matter. A motion to adjourn, although it ends the meeting itself, refers specifically to concluding the entire gathering rather than just a particular discussion. The raising of the gavel, therefore, clearly signifies the conclusion of argumentation and the move to the next phase of the meeting.