Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - civilization

also -isation BrE n 1 a society that is well organized and developed  (contemporary American civilization) + of  (the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome) 2 all the societies in the world considered as a whole  (The book explores the relationship between religion and civilization.) 3 the process in which societies become developed and organized 4 humorous a place where you feel comfortable or where there is plenty to do  (After a week in the mountains all I wanted to do was get back to civilization!)