state of the art

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Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
state/steɪt/

▶noun

• 1 the condition of someone or something.

  ■ a physical condition as regards internal or molecular form or structure.

  ■ (a state) informal an agitated, disorderly, or dirty condition.

• 2 a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.

  ■ an organized political community or area forming part of a federal republic.

  ■ (the States) the US.

• 3 the civil government of a country.

  ■ (the States) the legislative body in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney.

• 4 pomp and ceremony associated with monarchy or government.

• 5 an impression taken from an etched or engraved plate at a particular stage.

  ■ a particular printed version of the first edition of a book.

▶verb

• 1 express definitely or clearly in speech or writing.

  ■ chiefly Law specify the facts of (a case) for consideration.

• 2 Music present or introduce (a theme or melody) in a composition.

– phrases
state of affairs (or things) a situation.
state-of-the-art incorporating the newest ideas and most up-to-date features.
state of emergency a situation of national danger or disaster in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures.
state of grace a state of being free from sin.
state of life (in religious contexts) a person's occupation or status.
the state of play Brit. the score at a particular time in a cricket or football match.

■ the current situation.

– derivatives
statable (also stateable) adjective,
statehood noun.

– origin ME: partly a shortening of estate, partly from L. status (see status).