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 agent
2 : the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power : operation
3 : 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>