Main Entry: civ·i·li·za·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 1772

1 a : a relatively high level of cultural and technological development; specifically : the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained b : the culture characteristic of a particular time or place
2 : the process of becoming civilized
3 a : refinement of thought, manners, or taste b : a situation of urban comfort

— civ·i·li·za·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective