n.
Pronunciation: k ə - ' lek-tiv
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : denoting a number of persons or things considered as one group or whole < flock is a collective word>
2 a : formed by collecting : AGGREGATED b of a fruit : MULTIPLE
3 a : of, relating to, or being a group of individuals b : involving all members of a group as distinct from its individuals <a collective action>
4 : marked by similarity among or with the members of a group
5 : collectivized or characterized by collectivism
6 : shared or assumed by all members of the group < collective responsibility>
– col · lec · tive · ly adverb