noun

act

A law passed by a legislative body

The new act sets standards for clean drinking water.

Etymology

Latin actus named a doing or deed. In legislative use, the word identifies something formally done by a lawmaking body, especially the law produced by that action.

More examples

  • Congress passed the act after months of debate.
  • The act takes effect in January.
  • Several earlier acts were repealed.

Forms

act · acts

Similar words

law
Broader; an act is a specific enacted piece of legislation.
statute
A formal term for an enacted law.