civilization

noun

1. 1

   the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste

   a man of intellectual refinement

   he is remembered for his generosity and civilization

2. 2

   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

3. 3

   a particular society at a particular time and place

   early Mayan civilization

4. 4

   the social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization