ˈsentʃurɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a
period of
one hundred years. b
any of
the centuries reckoned
from the
birth of
Christ (twentieth century = 1901-2000;
fifth century BC = 500-401 BC). °In
modern use often reckoned as (e.g.) 1900-1999. 2 a a
score etc. of a hundred in a
sporting event,
esp. a hundred runs by one
batsman in cricket. b a
group of a hundred things. 3 a a
company in the ancient
Roman army, orig. of 100
men. b an ancient Roman
political division for voting. øcentury
plant a plant,
Agave americana,
flowering once in
many years
and yielding sap from
which tequila is distilled:
also called
American aloe (see ALOE). [L centuria f. centum hundred]