n. 1. An alliance, especially a temporary one, of people, factions, parties, or nations. 2. A combination into one body; a union. 3. a. A long-term cooperative alliance among a small number of male lions or cheetahs, especially to gain access to females or territory. b. A transitory association of animals of the same species in which members join forces against another animal or animals to defend against an attack or gain access to a resource. [French, from Medieval Latin coalitiō, coalitiōn-, from Latin coalitus, past participle of coalēscere, to grow together; see COALESCE.] co′a·lition·ist n. |
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