interagency
Meaning
Involving or representing two or more government agencies.
Structure
Usage
The interagency task force was formed to address the complex crisis.
Successful implementation of the policy requires strong interagency coordination.
An interagency memorandum of understanding was signed to formalize the partnership.
Etymology
The word "interagency" is a modern English compound formed by combining the Latin prefix "inter-" with the noun "agency." The prefix "inter-," derived from the Latin preposition meaning "between" or "among," has been a productive element in English since the Middle English period, borrowed via Old French. The noun "agency" entered English in the mid-17th century from Medieval Latin agentia, denoting the function of an agent, which itself stems from the Latin verb agere (to do, to act). Therefore, the literal construction "between agencies" directly and logically yields the modern administrative meaning of involving cooperation or interaction among separate organizations, particularly within governmental or institutional contexts.
Analysis
- inter: Latin origin, meaning "between, among". In this word, it functions as a prefix indicating mutual or reciprocal action. - agency: Latin origin (from agere, "to do, drive"). In this word, it functions as the base noun meaning an organization or department providing a specific service.