1. The act of representing or the state of being represented.
2. Something that represents, as:
   1. An image or likeness of something.
   2. An account or statement, as of facts, allegations, or arguments.
   3. An expostulation; a protest.
   4. A presentation or production, as of a play.
3. The state or condition of serving as an official delegate, agent, or spokesperson.
4. The right or privilege of being represented by delegates having a voice in a legislative body.
5. A body of legislators that serve on behalf of a constituency.
6. Law. A statement of fact made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract.
7. Mathematics. A homomorphism from an algebraic system to a similar system of matrices.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.