n.
Pronunciation: ' ā -j ə n(t)-s ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -cies
Date: 1640
1 a : the office or function of an agent b : the relationship between a principal and that person's agent
2 : the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power : OPERATION
3 : a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved : INSTRUMENTALITY <communicated through the agency of the ambassador>
4 : an establishment engaged in doing business for another <an advertising agency >
5 : an administrative division (as of a government) <the agency for consumer protection>