civilization

civilization [siv΄ə lə zā′shən]

n.

[ML civilizatio]

1. the process of civilizing or becoming civilized

2. the condition of being civilized; social organization of a high order, marked by the development and use of a written language and by advances in the arts and sciences, government, etc.

3. the total culture of a particular people, nation, period, etc.

4. the countries and peoples considered to have reached a high stage of social and cultural development

5. intellectual and cultural refinement

6. the amenities, esp. creature comforts of civilized life