Definition of secretary

< secretariat

secretary bird >

sec·re·tar·y    (skr-tr) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. sec·re·tar·ies

1. A person employed to handle correspondence, keep files, and do clerical work for another person or an organization.
2. An officer who keeps records, takes minutes of the meetings, and answers correspondence, as for a company.
3. An official who presides over an administrative department of state.
4. A desk with a small bookcase on top.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English secretarie, from Medieval Latin scrtrius, confidential officer, clerk, from Latin scrtus, secret ; see secret

OTHER FORMS:
secre·tari·al  (-târ-l) KEY (Adjective)