/kom"yeuh niz'euhm/ , n.
1. a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.
2. ( often cap. ) a system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party.
3. ( cap. ) the principles and practices of the Communist party.
4. communalism.
[ 1835-45; communisme. See COMMON, -ISM ]