society

so•ci•e•ty

[[t]səˈsaɪ ɪ ti[/t]] n. pl. -ties, adj.

1) soc an organized group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes

2) soc a body of individuals living as members of a community; community

3) soc human beings collectively, viewed as members of a community:

the evolution of society[/ex]

4) soc a highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for its members:

American society[/ex]

5) soc such a system characterized by its dominant economic class or form:

middle-class society; an industrial society[/ex]

6) soc those with whom one has companionship

7) soc companionship; company

8) soc the social life of wealthy, prominent, or fashionable persons

9) soc the social class that comprises such persons

10) soc the condition of those living in companionship with others, or in a community, rather than in isolation

11) ecl Biol. a closely integrated group of social organisms of the same species exhibiting division of labor

12) of, pertaining to, or characteristic of elegant society:

a society photographer[/ex]

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Etymology: 1525–35; < MF societe < L societās < soci(us) partner, comrade