ˌkōəˈlishən noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin coalitus + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the act of coalescing : the union of things separate into a single body or group
coalition of water vapor into raindrops
b. : a group or body formed by the coalescing of originally distinct elements : combination
they formed a coalition with the theater owners
2. in government or politics : a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action or to achieve a common purpose
the party could keep control only by coalition with two smaller parties
the parties of the right formed a coalition against the Communists
a coalition of free nations