civilization

civ•i•li•za•tion

[[t]ˌsɪv ə ləˈzeɪ ʃən[/t]] n.

1) an advanced state of human society, in which a high level of culture, science, and government has been reached

2) those people or nations that have reached such a state

3) any type of culture, society, etc., of a specific place, time, or group:

Greek civilization[/ex]

4) the act or process of civilizing or being civilized

5) cultural and intellectual refinement

6) cities or populated areas in general, as opposed to unpopulated or wilderness areas

7) modern comforts and conveniences, as made possible by science and technology

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Etymology: 1765–75; < F civilisation civ`i•li•za′tion•al, adj.