of·fi·cial
(
-f
sh
l)
KEY
ADJECTIVE:
- Of or relating to an office or a post of authority:
official duties.
- Authorized by a proper authority; authoritative:
official permission.
- Holding office or serving in a public capacity:
an official representative.
- Characteristic of or befitting a person of authority; formal:
an official banquet.
- Authorized by or contained in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia or National Formulary. Used of drugs.
NOUN:
- 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.
-
Sports
A referee or umpire.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Middle English,
ecclesiastical officer, from Old French, from Latin
offici
lis,
an attendant of an office, from
officium,
duty, service ; see
office
OTHER FORMS:
of·ficial·dom
(Noun),
of·ficial·ly
(Adverb)
