Noun: civilization ,si-vu-lu'zey-shun [N. Amer], ,si-vu-lI'zey-shun [Brit]
- A society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
"the people slowly progressed from barbarism to civilization";
- civilisation [Brit]
- The social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization
"The civilization of ancient Egypt spanned thousands of years";
- civilisation [Brit]
- The quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
"he is remembered for his generosity and civilization";
- refinement, civilisation [Brit]
- (archeology) a particular society at a particular time and place
"early Mayan civilization";
- culture, civilisation [Brit]
Derived forms: civilizations
Type of: excellence, social process, society
Encyclopedia: Civilization, Phaze III