federation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a political union whose constituent states or regions retain some internal self-government

   The constitution transformed the former colonies into a federation.

2. 2
   noun

   an organization formed by several smaller groups that cooperate under a central body

   The national federation represents dozens of local trade unions.

Borrowed from French federation, from Late Latin foederatio, 'an alliance or league,' based on Latin foedus, 'covenant or treaty.' Its political sense emphasizes a union created by agreement among constituent communities.

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