Main Entry:

agen·cy

Pronunciation:

\ˈā-jən(t)-sē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural agen·cies

Date:

1640

1 a: the office or function of an agent b: the relationship between a principal and that person's agent2: the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power : operation3: a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved : instrumentality <communicated through the agency of the ambassador>4: an establishment engaged in doing business for another <an advertising agency>5: an administrative division (as of a government) <the agency for consumer protection>