For the purposes of this subchapter— (a) The term “ United States ”, when used in a geographical sense, includes the several States and Territories, the insular possessions of the United States , the Canal Zone, and the District of Columbia. (b) The term “ person ” includes a partnership, company, association, or corporation, as well as a natural person . (c) The term “ vessel ” means every description of watercraft and aircraft capable of being used as a means of transportation on, under, or over water. (d) The term “ American vessel ” means any vessel documented, and any aircraft registered or licensed, under the laws of the United States. (e) The term “ state ” shall include nation, government, and country. (f) The term “ citizen ” shall include any individual owing allegiance to the United States , a partnership, company, or association composed in whole or in part of citizens of the United States , and any corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States as defined in subsection (a) of this section. (Nov. 4, 1939, ch. 2, § 16, 54 Stat. 12 ; Proc. No. 2695, July 4, 1946 , 11 F.R. 7517 , 60 Stat. 1352 .) Editorial Notes References in Text For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (a), see section 3602(b) of this title . Codification Words “(including the Philippine Islands)” omitted from definition of “ United States ” in subsec. (a) pursuant to the authority of Proc. No. 2695, which granted independence to the Philippines under the provisions of section 1394 of this title , and which is set out as a note under section 1394.