DEPARTMENT

A 'department' is a part of a larger organization with a specific responsibility. For the division of organizations into departments, see departmentalization.
In particular:

★ A government department in Australia, Canada, Switzerland and the United States, corresponds to a ministry in other systems:

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★ Department (Australian government)

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★ Department (Swiss government)

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★ Department (US government)

★ Department (country subdivision)- a geographical and administrative division within a country.

★ Part of an institution such as a commercial company (see departmentalization) or a non-profit organization such as a university.

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★ Academic department

★ A department store is a retail store that includes many specialized departments such as clothing or household items.

★ Part of a state or municipal government:

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★ Fire department

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★ Police department

★ In the US military:

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★ "Department" is a term used by the U.S. Army, mostly prior to World War I.

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★ A naval Department is a section devoted to one of several major tasks.