…a division of a large organization such as a government, university, or business, dealing with a specific area of activity…
…an area of special expertise or responsibility…
…the department of a local or municipal authority in charge of preventing and fighting fires…
…(in the US) the government department in charge of the navy…
…a large shop stocking many varieties of goods in different departments…
…(in the US) the department in the government dealing with foreign affairs…
…the department of a hospital providing immediate treatment for emergency cases…
…a department of local government that collects refuse or rubbish…
…the part of an organization concerned with the appointment, training, and welfare of employees…
…the department of the US government that administers federal programs related to food production and rural life. The department’s principal duty is to aid farmers, but it also serves consumers through its food-assistance and food-inspection programs…
