social definition

1. Of or pertaining to society; relating to men living in society, or to the public as an aggregate body; as, social interest or concerns; social pleasure; social benefits; social happiness; social duties. "Social phenomena."

2. Ready or disposed to mix in friendly converse; companionable; sociable; as, a social person.

3. Consisting in union or mutual intercourse. "Best with thyself accompanied, seek'st not Social communication." (Milton)

4. <botany> Naturally growing in groups or masses; said of many individual plants of the same species.

5. <zoology> Living in communities consisting of males, females, and neuters, as do ants and most bees. Forming compound groups or colonies by budding from basal processes or stolons; as, the social ascidians. Social science, the science of all that relates to the social condition, the relations and institutions which are involved in man's existence and his well-being as a member of an organised community; sociology. It concerns itself with questions of the public health, education, labour, punishment of crime, reformation of criminals, and the like.

<zoology> Social whale, the blackfish. The social evil, prostitution.

Synonyms: Sociable, companionable, conversible, friendly, familiar, communicative, convival, festive.

Origin: L. Socialis, from socius a companion; akin to sequi to follow: cf. F. Social. See Sue to follow.

(01 Mar 1998)