n.
Pronunciation: ' mi-n ə -str ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -tries
Date: 14th century
1 : MINISTRATION
2 : the office, duties, or functions of a minister
3 : the body of ministers of religion : CLERGY
4 : a person or thing through which something is accomplished : AGENCY , INSTRUMENTALITY
5 : the period of service or office of a minister or ministry
6 often capitalized a : the body of ministers governing a nation or state from which a smaller cabinet is sometimes selected b : the group of ministers constituting a cabinet
7 a : a government department presided over by a minister b : the building in which the business of a ministry is transacted