Describe the meaning of civil law?

It has two meanings. First it is that system of law which derives from European codifications of the Law, particularly Justinian's and Napoleon Bonaparte's, as opposed to common law which is that system of law which derives from the decisions of judges, originally in England, and after throughout the English-speaking world.

Second, it is that area of law which treats litigation between individuals, rather than litigation commenced by the state (this is usualy in the realm of criminal law).