Main Entry: bu·reau

Pronunciation: \ˈbyu̇r-(ˌ)ō, ˈbyər-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural bureaus also bu·reaux \-(ˌ)ōz\

Etymology: French, desk, cloth covering for desks, from Old French burel woolen cloth, from Old French *bure, from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth

Date: 1699

1 a British : writing desk; especially : one having drawers and a slant top b : a low chest of drawers for use in a bedroom
2 a : a specialized administrative unit; especially : a subdivision of an executive department of a government b : a branch of a newspaper, newsmagazine, or wire service in an important news center c : a usually commercial agency that serves as an intermediary especially for exchanging information or coordinating activities <credit bureau>