empire

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em·pire / ˈemˌpī(ə)r/ • n. 1. an extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, formerly esp. an emperor or empress: the Roman Empire. ∎  a government in which the head of state is an emperor or empress. ∎  a large commercial organization owned or controlled by one person or group: her business empire grew. ∎  an extensive operation or sphere of activity controlled by one person or group: the kitchen had once been the ladies' empire. ∎  supreme political power over several countries when exercised by a single authority: he encouraged the Greeks in their dream of empire in Asia Minor.2. a variety of apple.• adj. also / ämˈpi(ə)r/ (usu. Empire) denoting a style of furniture, decoration, or dress fashionable during the First or (less commonly) the Second Empire in France. The decorative style was neoclassical but marked by an interest in Egyptian and other ancient motifs probably inspired by Napoleon's Egyptian campaigns. ∎  (of a dress) having a high waist.

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