n.
1.the social process whereby societies achieve civilization
2.a particular society at a particular time and place
3.a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
4.the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
Idiom of the Day
at a loss
in a state of uncertainty or bewilderment
We were at a loss about what to do with the broken computer.