Definition of state
1 a
:mode or condition of being
- a state of readiness
b (1)
:condition of mind or temperament
- in a highly nervous state
(2)
:a condition of abnormal tension or excitement
2 a
:a condition or stage in the physical being of something
- insects in the larval state
- the gaseous state of water
b
:any of various conditions characterized by definite quantities (as of energy, angular momentum, or magnetic moment) in which an atomic system may exist
3 a
:social position;
especially
:high rank
b (1)
:elaborate or luxurious style of living
(2)
:formal dignity :pomp
—usually used with in
4 a
:a body of persons constituting a special class in a society :estate 3
b
states plural
:the members or representatives of the governing classes assembled in a legislative body
c
obsolete
:a person of high rank (as a noble)
5 a
:a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory;
especially
:one that is sovereign
b
:the political organization of such a body of people
c
:a government or politically organized society having a particular character
- a police state
- the welfare state
6
:the operations or concerns of the government of a country
7 a
:one of the constituent units of a nation having a federal government
- the fifty states
b
States plural
:The United States of America
8
:the territory of a state
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