|pərs ə n|el, |pə̄s-, |pəis- noun
( plural personnel or personnels )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French, modification (influenced by personnel, adjective, personal) of German personal, alteration of personale, from Late Latin, neuter of personalis personal — more at personal
1.
a. : a body of persons employed in some service (as the army or navy, a factory, office, airplane) — distinguished from matériel
b. personnel plural : persons of a particular (as professional or occupational) group
military personnel
missionary personnel
34,000 personnel in the expanded operation
the changing personnel of the theater
2.
a. : a body of employees that is a factor in business administration especially with respect to efficiency, selection, training, service, and health
b. : the division of an organization concerned primarily with the selection, placement, and training of employees and with the formulation of policies, procedures, and relations with employees or their representatives