[state] n, often attrib [ME stat, fr. OF & L; OF estat, fr. L status, fr. stare to stand--more at stand] (13c) 1 a: mode or condition of being "a ~ of readiness" b (1): condition of mind or temperament "in a highly nervous ~" (2): a condition of abnormal tension or excitement
2. a: a condition or stage in the physical being of something "insects in the larval ~" "the gaseous ~ of water" b: any of various conditions characterized by definite quantities (as of energy, angular momentum, or magnetic moment) in which an atomic system may exist 3 a: social position; esp: high rank b (1): elaborate or luxurious style of living (2): formal dignity: pomp--usu. used with in
4. a: a body of persons constituting a special class in a society: estate 3 b pl: the members or representatives of the governing classes assembled in a legislative body c obs: a person of high rank (as a noble)
5. a: a politically organized body of people usu. occupying a definite territory; esp: one that is sovereign b: the political organization of such a body of people c: a government or politically organized society having a particular character "a police ~" "the welfare ~"
6: the operations or concerns of the government of a country
7. a: one of the constituent units of a nation having a federal government "the fifty ~s" b pl, cap: The United States of America 8: the territory of a state
[2]state vt stat.ed ; stat.ing (1647) 1: to set by regulation or authority
2: to express the particulars of esp. in words: report; broadly: to express in words -- stat.able or state.able adj