(~s)
1.
An ~ is a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who regularly perform together.
...an ~ of young musicians...
N-COUNT: usu sing
2.
An ~ of things or people is a group of things or people considered as a whole rather than as separate individuals. (FORMAL)
The state is an ~ of political and social structures.
= collection
N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n