civilisation civilisation /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/

noun

1. [British] The quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste  ( civilisation [British] , civilization , refinement )
   the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
    A man of intellectual refinement
   a man of intellectual refinement
    He is remembered for his generosity and civilization
   he is remembered for his generosity and civilization
   
2. [British] A society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)  ( civilisation [British] , civilization )
   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
   the people slowly progressed from barbarism to civilization
   
3. [British] (archeology) a particular society at a particular time and place  ( civilisation [British] , civilization , culture )
   (archeology) a particular society at a particular time and place
    Early Mayan civilization
   early Mayan civilization
   
   
4. [British] The social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization  ( civilisation [British] , civilization )
   the social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization