n.

1. a particular society at a particular time and place;
   civilization, civilisation
   
   • early Mayan civilization
2. the tastes in art and manners that are favored by a social group
3. all the knowledge and values shared by a society;
   acculturation
4. (biology) the growing of microorganisms in a nutrient medium (such as gelatin or agar)
   
   • the culture of cells in a Petri dish
5. a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality; "they performed with great polish"; "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"; "almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art"--Joseph Conrad;
   polish, refinement, cultivation, finish
6. the attitudes and behavior that are characteristic of a particular social group or organization
   
   • the developing drug culture
   • the reason that the agency is doomed to inaction has something to do with the FBI culture
7. the raising of plants or animals
   
   • the culture of oysters