senate
[ sen-it ]
/ ˈsɛn ɪt /
noun
an assembly or council of citizens having the highest deliberative functions in a government, especially a legislative assembly of a state or nation.
(initial capital letter)
the upper house of the legislature of certain countries, as the United States, France, Italy, Canada, Ireland, Republic of South Africa, Australia, and some Latin American countries.
the room or building in which such a group meets.
Roman History.
the supreme council of state, the membership and functions of which varied at different periods.
a governing, advisory, or disciplinary body, as in certain universities.
Origin of senate
1175–1225; Middle English
senat < Latin
senātus council of elders, equivalent to
sen(ex) old +
-ātus
-ate3
Words nearby senate
Example sentences from the Web for senate
British Dictionary definitions for senate (1 of 2)
senate
/ (ˈsɛnɪt) /
noun
any legislative or governing body considered to resemble a Senate
the main governing body at some colleges and universities
Word Origin for senate
C13: from Latin
senātus council of the elders, from
senex an old man
British Dictionary definitions for senate (2 of 2)
Senate
/ (ˈsɛnɪt) /
noun (sometimes not capital)
the upper chamber of the legislatures of the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries
the legislative council of ancient Rome. Originally the council of the kings, the Senate became the highest legislative, judicial, and religious authority in republican Rome
the ruling body of certain free cities in medieval and modern Europe