(~s)
1.
~ is used to describe something that belonged or related to the former ~ Union.
...the former ~ empire.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
2.
The ~s were the people of the former ~ Union.
In 1957, the ~s launched Sputnik 1 into outer space.
N-PLURAL
3.
A soviet was an elected local, regional, or national council in the former ~ Union.
N-COUNT