[koh-uh-lish-uh
n] 
| 1. | a combination or alliance, esp. a temporary one between persons, factions, states, etc. |
| 2. | a union into one body or mass; fusion. |
| co·a·li·tion (kō'ə-lĭsh'ən) n.
[French, from Medieval Latin coalitiō, coalitiōn-, from Latin coalitus, past participle of coalēscere, to grow together; see coalesce.] co'a·li'tion·ist n. |
An alliance of political groups formed to oppose a common foe or pursue a common goal.
Note: In countries with many political parties, none of which can get a majority of the citizens' votes, the only way an effective government can be formed is by a coalition of parties. Such coalitions are often unstable.
