centralization

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

centralization
    n 1: the act of consolidating power under a central control
         [syn: {centralization}, {centralisation}] [ant:
         {decentralisation}, {decentralization}]
    2: gathering to a center [syn: {centralization},
       {centralisation}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Centralization \Cen`tral*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F. centralisation.]
   The act or process of centralizing, or the state of being
   centralized; the act or process of combining or reducing
   several parts into a whole; as, the centralization of power
   in the general government; the centralization of commerce in
   a city.
   [1913 Webster]