Bureaucracies

/ˌbjʊəˈrɑkrəsiz/ noun

Definition

Plural of bureaucracy; multiple systems of government or organizational administration characterized by complex rules and hierarchy.

Etymology

From French 'bureau' (desk/office) plus Greek 'kratos' (power/rule), coined in 18th-century France to criticize overly complex administration. 'Bureaucracies' is the regular plural form.

Kelly Says

Bureaucracy is a French word invented to complain about complexity—the French literally called excessive administration 'desk-power,' and now every country uses this critical term to describe their own governments!

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