n.
- a division of a large organization or building, dealing with a specific area of activity.
- an administrative district in France and other countries.
-
(one's department)
informal an area of special expertise or responsibility.
▸a specified aspect or quality:
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he was a bit lacking in the height department.
Derivative
- departmental adj.
- departmentalism n.
- departmentalization
or departmentalisation n. - departmentalize
or departmentalise v. - departmentally adv.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. departement, from departir (see depart).
