■ noun
1》 the condition of someone or something.
↘a physical condition as regards internal or molecular form or structure.
↘( a ~ ) informal an agitated, disorderly, or dirty condition.
2》 a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.
↘an organized political community or area forming part of a federal republic.
↘( the States ) the US.
3》 the civil government of a country.
↘( the States ) the legislative body in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney.
4》 pomp and ceremony associated with monarchy or government.
5》 an impression taken from an etched or engraved plate at a particular stage.
↘a particular printed version of the first edition of a book.
■ verb
1》 express definitely or clearly in speech or writing.
↘ chiefly Law specify the facts of (a case) for consideration.
2》 Music present or introduce (a theme or melody) in a composition.
Phrases
~ of affairs (or things ) a situation.
~-of-the-art incorporating the newest ideas and most up-to-date features.
~ of emergency a situation of national danger or disaster in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures.
~ of grace a ~ of being free from sin.
~ of life (in religious contexts) a person's occupation or status.
the ~ of play Brit. the score at a particular time in a cricket or football match.
↘the current situation.
Derivatives
statable (also ~able ) adjective
~hood noun
Origin
ME: partly a shortening of e~ , partly from L. status (see status ).