consociation

(kən-sōˌshē-āˈshən)

1. Friendly or cooperative association, as between groups or organizations.
2. Ecology A subdivision of an association having one dominant species of plant.
3. A political arrangement in which various groups, such as ethnic or racial populations within a country or region, share power according to an agreed formula or mechanism.

Related Forms:

• con·soˌci·aˈtion·al adjective