ˈfedərəl adj. 1 of a
system of
government in
which several States
form a
unity but
remain independent in
internal affairs. 2 relating to or affecting
such a
federation (federal laws). 3 relating to or favouring centralized government. 4 (Federal) US of
the Northern States in the
Civil War. 5 comprising an
association of
largely independent units. øfederal
reserve (in the US) a
national system of reserve cash
available to banks. øøfederalism n. federalist n. federalize v.tr. (also -ise). federalization n. federally adv. [L foedus -eris league, covenant]