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Definition of official


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of·fi·cial  audio  (-fshl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:
  1. Of or relating to an office or a post of authority: official duties.
  2. Authorized by a proper authority; authoritative: official permission.
  3. Holding office or serving in a public capacity: an official representative.
  4. Characteristic of or befitting a person of authority; formal: an official banquet.
  5. Authorized by or contained in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia or National Formulary. Used of drugs.
NOUN:
  1. One who holds an office or position, especially one who acts in a subordinate capacity for an institution such as a corporation or governmental agency.
  2. Sports A referee or umpire.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Middle English, ecclesiastical officer, from Old French, from Latin officilis, an attendant of an office, from officium, duty, service ; see office

OTHER FORMS:
of·ficial·dom (Noun), of·ficial·ly (Adverb)


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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.
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