n. A meeting of individuals, whether friendly or hostile; an encounter.n. A sudden encounter; a collision; a shock; -- said of things.n. The coming together of a male and female in sexual commerce; the act of coition.n. A gathering or assembly; a conference.n. A formal assembly, as of princes, deputies, representatives, envoys, or commissioners; esp., a meeting of the representatives of several governments or societies to consider and determine matters of common interest.n. The collective body of senators and representatives of the people of a nation, esp. of a republic, constituting the chief legislative body of the nation.n. The lower house of the Spanish Cortes, the members of which are elected for three years.