First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
senate
noun sen·ate \ˈse-nət\
the Senate : the smaller group of the two groups of people who meet to discuss and make the laws of a country, state, etc.; especially : the smaller group of the two groups that form the U.S. Congress
: a group of people who govern some colleges and universities
the Senate : the group of officials who led the ancient Roman government
Full Definition of SENATE
1
: an assembly or council usually possessing high deliberative and legislative functions: as a : the supreme council of the ancient Roman republic and empire b : the second chamber in the bicameral legislature of a major political unit (as a nation, state, or province)
2
: the hall or chamber in which a senate meets
3
: a governing body of some universities charged with maintaining academic standards and regulations and usually composed of the principal or representative members of the faculty
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Origin of SENATE
Middle English senat, from Anglo-French, from Latin senatus, from sen-, senex old, old man — more at senior
SENATE Defined for Kids
senate
noun sen·ate \ˈse-nət\
Definition of SENATE for Kids
1
cap : the upper house of a legislature (as the United States Congress)
2
: a governing body
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