1 a a period of one hundred years. b any of the centuries reckoned from the birth of Christ (twentieth century = 1901-2000; fifth century BC = 500-401 BC).
Usage:
In modern use often reckoned as (e.g.) 1900-1999.
2 a a score etc. of a hundred in a sporting event, esp. a hundred runs by one batsman in cricket. b a group of a hundred things.
3 a a company in the ancient Roman army, orig. of 100 men. b an ancient Roman political division for voting.
Phrases and idioms:
century plant a plant, Agave americana, flowering once in many years and yielding sap from which tequila is distilled: also called American aloe (see ALOE).
Etymology: L centuria f. centum hundred
Useful english dictionary. 2012.