bureau

office, desk

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At an official service counter, an applicant faces a cumbersome packet of forms while a clerk requires another form before stamping the application.

adjective

bureaucratic

byoor-uh-KRAT-ik/ˌbjʊrəˈkrætɪk/

Relating to official administration, often marked by rigid rules and slow procedures.

Etymology

bureauFrenchoffice, desk

+craticGreekrule, power

An office or desk combined with ‘rule’ gives the image of government by offices. The adjective reflects the associated criticism of officialdom as inflexible and burdened with administrative procedures.

Full entry

Related word entries

bureaucratic