gerontocracy

noun ger·on·toc·ra·cy \ˌjer-ən-ˈtä-krə-sē\

plural ger·on·toc·ra·cies

Definition of GERONTOCRACY

: rule by elders; specifically : a form of social organization in which a group of old men or a council of elders dominates or exercises control

— ge·ron·to·crat \jə-ˈrän-tə-ˌkrat\ noun

— ge·ron·to·crat·ic \-ˌrän-tə-ˈkra-tik\ adjective

French gérontocratie, from géronto- geront- + -cratie -cracy

First Known Use: 1830

Next Word in the Dictionary: gerontogeousPrevious Word in the Dictionary: geronticAll Words Near: gerontocracy

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