agency

Meaning

1. The capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power.
2. The capacity of individuals to act independently and to make their own free choices.
3. A medium through which power is exerted or an end is achieved.
4. The office or function of an agent; also, the relationship between a principal and that person's agent.
5. An establishment engaged in doing business for another; also, the place of business or the district of such an agency.
6. A department or other administrative unit of a government; also, the office or headquarters of, or the district administered by such unit of government.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈeɪ.d͡ʒən.si/

Etymology

From Medieval Latin agentia, from Latin agēns (present participle of agere (“to act”)), agentis (cognate with French agence, see also agent).