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 social process whereby societies achieve civilization
the profession of teaching (especially at a school or college or university)
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill; "he received no formal education"; "our instruction was carefully programmed"; "good classroom teaching is seldom rewarded"
the result of good upbringing (especially knowledge of correct social behavior); "a woman of breeding and refinement"
the gradual process of acquiring knowledge; "education is a preparation for life"; "a girl's education was less important than a boy's"
knowledge acquired by learning and instruction; "it was clear that he had a very broad education"
a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality; "they performed with great polish"; "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"; "almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art"--Joseph Conrad
a preparation used in polishing
of or relating to Poland or its people or culture; "Polish sausage"
bring to a highly developed, finished, or refined state; "polish your social manners"
improve or perfect by pruning or polishing; "refine one's style of writing"
make (a surface) shine; "shine the silver, please"; "polish my shoes"
the raising of plants or animals; "the culture of oysters"
(biology) the growing of microorganisms in a nutrient medium (such as gelatin or agar); "the culture of cells in a Petri dish"
the tastes in art and manners that are favored by a social group
the attitudes and behavior that are characteristic of a particular social group or organization; "the developing drug culture"; "the reason that the agency is doomed to inaction has something to do with the FBI culture"
a particular society at a particular time and place; "early Mayan civilization"