of·fice [ ôfs, fs ] n.

1. a. A place in which business, clerical, or professional activities are conducted. b. The administrative personnel, executives, or staff working in such a place.
2. A duty or function assigned to or assumed by someone. See Synonyms at function.
3. A position of authority, duty, or trust given to a person, as in a government or corporation: the office of vice president.
4. a. A subdivision of a governmental department: the U.S. Patent Office. b. A major executive division of a government: the British Home Office.
5. A public position: seek office.
6. offices Chiefly British The parts of a house, such as the laundry and kitchen, in which servants carry out household work.
7. A usually beneficial act performed for another. Often used in the plural.
8. Ecclesiastical A ceremony, rite, or service, usually prescribed by liturgy, especially: a. The canonical hours. b. A prayer service in the Anglican Church, such as Morning or Evening Prayer. c. A ceremony, rite, or service for a special purpose, especially the Office of the Dead.

Middle English, from Old French, duty, from Latin officium

The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
© 1996-2004 yourDictionary.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.