Federation

[fed-uh-rey-shuh n] /ˌfɛd əˈreɪ ʃən/

noun
1.
the act of or uniting in a league.
2.
the formation of a political unity, with a central government, by a number of separate states, each of which retains control of its own internal affairs.
3.
a league or confederacy.
4.
a body formed by a number of nations, states, societies, unions, etc., each retaining control of its own internal affairs.
/ˌfɛdəˈreɪʃən/
noun
1.
the act of federating
2.
the union of several provinces, states, etc, to form a federal union
3.
a political unit formed in such a way
4.
any league, alliance, or confederacy
5.
a union of several parties, groups, etc
6.
any association or union for common action
/ˌfɛdəˈreɪʃən/
noun (Austral)
1.
the Federation, the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901
2.
a style of domestic architecture of that period, characterized by red brick, terracotta roof tiles, sinuous curves, and heavy window frames
n.

1721, “union by agreement,” from French fédération, from Late Latin foederationem (nominative foederatio), noun of action from Latin foederare “league together,” from foedus “covenant, league” (genitive foederis); see federal.