cadre
UK[ˈkɑːdə(r)]US[ˈkædreɪ]
n
a small group of people who are specially chosen and trained for a particular purpose, especially in politics or the military.
n
the basic structure or framework of an organization, especially one that can be expanded.
Etymology
the word 'cadre' entered english in the 19th century from french, where it originally meant 'frame' or 'framework'. the french term was adopted from italian 'quadro', a military term for a 'square' of soldiers or a 'list' of officers, which itself originates from the latin 'quadrum', meaning 'a square'. this geometric sense evolved metaphorically: from a physical square to a structured list of personnel, and finally to its modern meanings of a core group forming the structural basis of an organization or a specially trained unit. the semantic journey reflects a shift from a concrete shape to an abstract organizational concept.
Analysis
the word 'cadre' is a loanword from french, which in turn borrowed it from italian 'quadro', meaning 'frame' or 'square'. the italian word derives from latin 'quadrum', meaning 'a square'. its functional role is as a simplex noun.
Examples
the party relies on a dedicated cadre of activists.
the new unit was formed around a cadre of experienced officers.
the company has a strong managerial cadre to support its expansion.