polity

From Middle French politie, from Latin politia (circa 1530s C.E.), from Ancient Greek πολιτεία (politeía, “polity, policy, the state”). Doublet of policy and police.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpɒ.lɪ.tɪ/
• (US, Canada) IPA^(key): /ˈpɑ.lɪ.ti/

• Audio (UK)

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polity (plural polities)

1. (politics) An organizational structure of the government of a state, church, etc.
2. (political science) A politically organized unit; a state.

   Different nations have different forms of polities, from provinces and states to territories and municipalities.

• polity in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• polity in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911