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 aBritish : writing desk; especially : one having drawers and a slant top b: a low chest of drawers for use in a bedroom2 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>

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