senate
n. countablen. the smaller but more powerful group of people who make laws in some governments. Members are usually elected to represent their region and vote on important national decisions.
n. the upper house of a bicameral legislature in various countries, such as the United States or Australia. When capitalized, it refers to the specific national body; when lowercase, it can refer to any similar governing council.
The Senate voted on the new law today.
The proposed tax reform passed in the lower house but faced strong opposition in the Senate.
Constitutional scholars often debate whether the Senate's structure provides a necessary check on populist impulses or merely obstructs the legislative will of the majority.
Usually capitalized when referring to a specific national institution (the Senate).