ELA: an extreme leftist terrorist group formed in Greece in 1971 to oppose the military junta that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974; a revolutionary group opposed to capitalism and imperialism and the United States


Revolutionary Proletarian Nucleus: a clandestine group of leftist extremists who oppose Italy's labor policies and foreign policy; responsible for bombing building in the historic center of Rome from 2000 to 2002


Revolutionary Proletarian Initiative Nuclei: a clandestine group of leftist extremists who oppose Italy's labor policies and foreign policy; responsible for bombing building in the historic center of Rome from 2000 to 2002


NIPR: a clandestine group of leftist extremists who oppose Italy's labor policies and foreign policy; responsible for bombing building in the historic center of Rome from 2000 to 2002


Revolutionary United Front: a terrorist group formed in the 1980s in Sierra Leone; seeks to overthrow the government and gain control of the diamond producing regions; responsible for attacks on civilians and children, widespread torture and murder and using children to commit atrocities; sponsored by the president of Liberia


RUF: a terrorist group formed in the 1980s in Sierra Leone; seeks to overthrow the government and gain control of the diamond producing regions; responsible for attacks on civilians and children, widespread torture and murder and using children to commit atrocities; sponsored by the president of Liberia


Salafist Group: an Algerian extremist Islamic offshoot of the Armed Islamic Group; now the largest and most active armed terrorist group in Algeria that seeks to overthrow the government; a major source of support and recruitment for al-Qaeda operations in Europe and northern Africa


Salafast Group for Call and Combat: an Algerian extremist Islamic offshoot of the Armed Islamic Group; now the largest and most active armed terrorist group in Algeria that seeks to overthrow the government; a major source of support and recruitment for al-Qaeda operations in Europe and northern Africa


GSPC: an Algerian extremist Islamic offshoot of the Armed Islamic Group; now the largest and most active armed terrorist group in Algeria that seeks to overthrow the government; a major source of support and recruitment for al-Qaeda operations in Europe and northern Africa


Shining Path: a terrorist group formed in Peru in the late 1960s as a splinter group from the communist party of Peru; is among the most ruthless guerilla organizations in the world; seeks to destroy Peruvian institutions and replace them with a Maoist peasant regime; is involved in the cocaine trade


Sendero Luminoso: a terrorist group formed in Peru in the late 1960s as a splinter group from the communist party of Peru; is among the most ruthless guerilla organizations in the world; seeks to destroy Peruvian institutions and replace them with a Maoist peasant regime; is involved in the cocaine trade


SL: a terrorist group formed in Peru in the late 1960s as a splinter group from the communist party of Peru; is among the most ruthless guerilla organizations in the world; seeks to destroy Peruvian institutions and replace them with a Maoist peasant regime; is involved in the cocaine trade


Sipah-e-Sahaba: a vicious sectarian organization in Pakistan that persecutes Shiite Muslims and collaborates with al-Qaeda to attack foreigners and to disrupt the government of Pakistan


Tareekh e Kasas: an organization of Muslims in India who killed Hindus in September 2002; believed to have ties with Muslim terrorists in Pakistan


Movement for Revenge: an organization of Muslims in India who killed Hindus in September 2002; believed to have ties with Muslim terrorists in Pakistan


Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement: a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization in Peru; was formed in 1983 to overthrow the Peruvian government and replace it with a Marxist regime; has connections with the ELN in Bolivia


Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Anaru: a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization in Peru; was formed in 1983 to overthrow the Peruvian government and replace it with a Marxist regime; has connections with the ELN in Bolivia


MRTA: a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization in Peru; was formed in 1983 to overthrow the Peruvian government and replace it with a Marxist regime; has connections with the ELN in Bolivia


Tupac Katari Guerrilla Army: a terrorist group that is the remnants of the original Bolivian insurgents trained by Che Guevara; attacks small unprotected targets such as power pylons or oil pipelines or government buildings


EGTK: a terrorist group that is the remnants of the original Bolivian insurgents trained by Che Guevara; attacks small unprotected targets such as power pylons or oil pipelines or government buildings


Turkish Hizballah: an ethnic Kurdish group of Sunni extremists formed in the late 1980s in southeastern Turkey; seeks to replace Turkey's secular regime with an Islamic state and strict shariah law; responsible for bombings and the torture and murder of Turkish and Kurdish journalists and businessmen; receives support from Iran


Ulster Defence Association: the major Protestant paramilitary group in Northern Ireland; responsible for bombing the homes of Catholics and for criminal racketeering and selling drugs


UDA: the major Protestant paramilitary group in Northern Ireland; responsible for bombing the homes of Catholics and for criminal racketeering and selling drugs


United Self-Defense Force of Colombia: a terrorist organization in Colombia formed in 1997 as an umbrella for local and regional paramilitary groups; is financed by earnings from narcotics and serves to protect the economic interests of its members


United Self-Defense Group of Colombia: a terrorist organization in Colombia formed in 1997 as an umbrella for local and regional paramilitary groups; is financed by earnings from narcotics and serves to protect the economic interests of its members


Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia: a terrorist organization in Colombia formed in 1997 as an umbrella for local and regional paramilitary groups; is financed by earnings from narcotics and serves to protect the economic interests of its members


AUC: a terrorist organization in Colombia formed in 1997 as an umbrella for local and regional paramilitary groups; is financed by earnings from narcotics and serves to protect the economic interests of its members


Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad: a Sunni organization formed in 1989 and based in Pakistan; opposes missionary groups from the United States; has Lashkar-e-Tayyiba as its armed wing


MDI: a Sunni organization formed in 1989 and based in Pakistan; opposes missionary groups from the United States; has Lashkar-e-Tayyiba as its armed wing


Red Cross: an international organization that cares for the sick or wounded or homeless in wartime


Salvation Army: a charitable and religious organization to evangelize and to care for the poor and homeless


Tammany Hall: a political organization within the Democratic Party in New York City (late 1800's and early 1900's) seeking political control by corruption and bossism


Tammany Society: a political organization within the Democratic Party in New York City (late 1800's and early 1900's) seeking political control by corruption and bossism


Tammany: a political organization within the Democratic Party in New York City (late 1800's and early 1900's) seeking political control by corruption and bossism


Umma Tameer-e-Nau: a nongovernmental organization of Pakistani scientists that has been a supporter of terrorism; has provided information about chemical and biological and nuclear warfare to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda and the Taliban


UTN: a nongovernmental organization of Pakistani scientists that has been a supporter of terrorism; has provided information about chemical and biological and nuclear warfare to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda and the Taliban


fiefdom: an organization that is controlled by a dominant person or group


line of defense: any organization whose responsibility it is to defend against something


line of defence: any organization whose responsibility it is to defend against something


line organization: the organizational structure of activities contributing directly to the organization's output


line organisation: the organizational structure of activities contributing directly to the organization's output


National Trust: an organization concerned to preserve historic monuments and buildings and places of historical interest or natural beauty; founded in 1895 and supported by endowment and private subscription


NT: an organization concerned to preserve historic monuments and buildings and places of historical interest or natural beauty; founded in 1895 and supported by endowment and private subscription


association: a formal organization of people or groups of people


British Commonwealth: an association of nations consisting of the United Kingdom and several former British colonies that are now sovereign states but still pay allegiance to the British Crown


Commonwealth of Nations: an association of nations consisting of the United Kingdom and several former British colonies that are now sovereign states but still pay allegiance to the British Crown


polity: a politically organized unit


quango: a quasi nongovernmental organization; an organization that is financed by the government yet acts independently of the government


quasi-NGO: a quasi nongovernmental organization; an organization that is financed by the government yet acts independently of the government


government: the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit


authorities: the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit


regime: the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit


authoritarian state: a government that concentrates political power in an authority not responsible to the people


authoritarian regime: a government that concentrates political power in an authority not responsible to the people


bureaucracy: a government that is administered primarily by bureaus that are staffed with nonelective officials


ancien regime: a political and social system that no longer governs (especially the system that existed in France before the French Revolution)


court: the sovereign and his advisers who are the governing power of a state


royal court: the sovereign and his advisers who are the governing power of a state


Court of Saint James's: the British royal court


Porte: the Ottoman court in Constantinople


Sublime Porte: the Ottoman court in Constantinople


Downing Street: the British government


empire: a group of countries under a single authority


federal government: a government with strong central powers


government-in-exile: a temporary government moved to or formed in a foreign land by exiles who hope to rule when their country is liberated


local government: the government of a local area


military government: government by the military and an army


stratocracy: government by the military and an army


palace: the governing group of a kingdom


papacy: the government of the Roman Catholic Church


pontificate: the government of the Roman Catholic Church


Soviets: the government of the Soviet Union


institution: an organization founded and united for a specific purpose


establishment: an organization founded and united for a specific purpose


medical institution: an institution created for the practice of medicine


clinic: a medical establishment run by a group of medical specialists


extended care facility: a medical institution that provides prolonged care (as in cases of prolonged illness or rehabilitation from acute illness)


hospital: a medical institution where sick or injured people are given medical or surgical care


eye clinic: a clinic where specialist care for a patient's eyes


financial institution: an institution (public or private) that collects funds (from the public or other institutions) and invests them in financial assets


financial organization: an institution (public or private) that collects funds (from the public or other institutions) and invests them in financial assets


financial organisation: an institution (public or private) that collects funds (from the public or other institutions) and invests them in financial assets


issuer: an institution that issues something (securities or publications or currency etc.)


giro: a British financial system in which a bank or a post office transfers money from one account to another when they receive authorization to do so


clearing house: a central collection place where banks exchange checks or drafts; participants maintain an account against which credits or debits are posted


lending institution: a financial institution that makes loans


charity: an institution set up to provide help to the needy


community chest: a charity supported by individual subscriptions; defrays the demands on a community for social welfare


soup kitchen: a place where food is dispensed to the needy


enterprise: an organization created for business ventures


giant: an unusually large enterprise


collective: members of a cooperative enterprise


collective farm: a farm operated collectively


kibbutz: a collective farm or settlement owned by its members in modern Israel; children are reared collectively


kolkhoz: a collective farm owned by the communist state


agency: a business that serves other businesses


brokerage: the business of a broker; charges a fee to arrange a contract between two parties


carrier: a person or firm in the business of transporting people or goods or messages


common carrier: a person or firm in the business of transporting people or goods or messages


chain: (business) a number of similar establishments (stores or restaurants or banks or hotels or theaters) under one ownership


company: an institution created to conduct business


conglomerate: a group of diverse companies under common ownership and run as a single organization


empire: a group of diverse companies under common ownership and run as a single organization


large cap: a corporation with a large capitalization


small cap: a corporation with a small capitalization


corporation: a business firm whose articles of incorporation have been approved in some state


corp: a business firm whose articles of incorporation have been approved in some state


firm: the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments


house: the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments


business firm: the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments


franchise: a business established or operated under an authorization to sell or distribute a company's goods or services in a particular area


dealership: a business established or operated under an authorization to sell or distribute a company's goods or services in a particular area


manufacturer: a business engaged in manufacturing some product


maker: a business engaged in manufacturing some product


manufacturing business: a business engaged in manufacturing some product


partnership: the members of a business venture created by contract


copartnership: a partnership in which employees get a share of the profits in addition to their wages


business: a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it


concern: a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it


business concern: a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it


business organization: a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it


business organisation: a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it


apparel chain: a chain of clothing stores


discount chain: a chain of discount stores


restaurant chain: a chain of restaurants


distributor: a company that markets merchandise


direct mailer: a distributor who uses direct mail to sell merchandise


retail chain: a chain of retail stores


accounting firm: a firm of accountants who provide accounting and auditing services for a fee


consulting firm: a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee


consulting company: a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee


publisher: a firm in the publishing business


publishing house: a firm in the publishing business


publishing firm: a firm in the publishing business


publishing company: a firm in the publishing business


publishing conglomerate: a conglomerate of publishing companies


publishing empire: a conglomerate of publishing companies


newspaper: a business firm that publishes newspapers


paper: a business firm that publishes newspapers


newspaper publisher: a business firm that publishes newspapers


newsroom: the staff of a newspaper or the news department of a periodical


magazine: a business firm that publishes magazines


magazine publisher: a business firm that publishes magazines


dealer: a firm engaged in trading


car dealer: a firm that sells and buys cars


computer dealer: a firm that sells and buys computers


jewelry dealer: a firm that sells and buys jewelry


jewelry store: a firm that sells and buys jewelry


truck dealer: a firm that sells and buys trucks


law firm: a firm of lawyers


defense: an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack


defence: an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack


defense force: an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack


defence force: an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack


bastion: a group that defends a principle


defense: the defendant and his legal advisors collectively


defence: the defendant and his legal advisors collectively


defense team: the defendant and his legal advisors collectively


defense lawyers: the defendant and his legal advisors collectively


prosecution: the lawyers acting for the state to put the case against the defendant


planting: a collection of plants (trees or shrubs or flowers) in a particular area


commercial enterprise: an enterprise connected with commerce


industry: the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise


processor: a business engaged in processing agricultural products and preparing them for market


armorer: a manufacturer of firearms


armourer: a manufacturer of firearms


aluminum business: manufacturers of aluminum considered as a group


aluminum industry: manufacturers of aluminum considered as a group


apparel industry: makers and sellers of fashionable clothing


garment industry: makers and sellers of fashionable clothing


fashion industry: makers and sellers of fashionable clothing


fashion business: makers and sellers of fashionable clothing


rag trade: makers and sellers of fashionable clothing


banking industry: banks collectively


banking system: banks collectively


bottler: a manufacturer that makes and bottles beverages


car manufacturer: a business engaged in the manufacture of automobiles


car maker: a business engaged in the manufacture of automobiles


carmaker: a business engaged in the manufacture of automobiles


auto manufacturer: a business engaged in the manufacture of automobiles


auto maker: a business engaged in the manufacture of automobiles


automaker: a business engaged in the manufacture of automobiles


computer business: a business that manufactures and sells computers


automobile industry: the manufacturers of automobiles considered collectively


aviation: the operation of aircraft to provide transportation


chemical industry: the manufacturers of chemicals considered collectively


coal industry: the producers of coal considered collectively


computer industry: the manufacturers of computers considered collectively


construction industry: an industry that builds housing


housing industry: an industry that builds housing


electronics industry: the manufacturers of electronic products considered collectively


entertainment industry: those involved in providing entertainment: radio and television and films and theater


show business: those involved in providing entertainment: radio and television and films and theater


show biz: those involved in providing entertainment: radio and television and films and theater


film industry: the entertainment industries involved in producing and distributing movies


movie industry: the entertainment industries involved in producing and distributing movies


Bollywood: the film industry of India


filmdom: the personnel of the film industry


screenland: the personnel of the film industry


screen: the personnel of the film industry


Hollywood: the film industry of the United States


growth industry: an industry that is growing rapidly


lighting industry: an industry devoted to manufacturing and selling and installing lighting


munitions industry: an industry that manufacturers weapons of war


arms industry: an industry that manufacturers weapons of war


oil industry: an industry that produces and delivers oil and oil products


refining industry: an industry that produces and delivers oil and oil products


oil business: an industry that produces and delivers oil and oil products


oil company: a company that sells oil


packaging company: a company that packages goods for sale or shipment or storage


packaging concern: a company that packages goods for sale or shipment or storage


pipeline company: a company that operates oil pipelines for the oil industry


printing concern: a company that does commercial printing


printing business: a company that does commercial printing


printing company: a company that does commercial printing


plastics industry: an industry that manufactures plastic articles


brokerage: a stock broker's business; charges a fee to act as intermediary between buyer and seller


brokerage firm: a stock broker's business; charges a fee to act as intermediary between buyer and seller


securities firm: a stock broker's business; charges a fee to act as intermediary between buyer and seller


bucket shop: an unethical or overly aggressive brokerage firm


commodity brokerage: a brokerage firm dealing in commodities


marriage brokerage: a business that arranges marriage contracts


marriage mart: a business that arranges marriage contracts


insurance company: a financial institution that sells insurance


insurance firm: a financial institution that sells insurance


insurer: a financial institution that sells insurance


insurance underwriter: a financial institution that sells insurance


underwriter: a financial institution that sells insurance


pension fund: a financial institution that collects regular contributions from employers to provide retirement income for employees


investment company: a financial institution that sells shares to individuals and invests in securities issued by other companies


investment trust: a financial institution that sells shares to individuals and invests in securities issued by other companies


investment firm: a financial institution that sells shares to individuals and invests in securities issued by other companies


fund: a financial institution that sells shares to individuals and invests in securities issued by other companies


hedge fund: a flexible investment company for a small number of large investors (usually the minimum investment is $1 million); can use high-risk techniques (not allowed for mutual funds) such as short-selling and heavy leveraging


hedgefund: a flexible investment company for a small number of large investors (usually the minimum investment is $1 million); can use high-risk techniques (not allowed for mutual funds) such as short-selling and heavy leveraging


mutual fund: a regulated investment company with a pool of assets that regularly sells and redeems its shares


mutual fund company: a regulated investment company with a pool of assets that regularly sells and redeems its shares


open-end fund: a regulated investment company with a pool of assets that regularly sells and redeems its shares


open-end investment company: a regulated investment company with a pool of assets that regularly sells and redeems its shares


index fund: a mutual fund that invests in the stocks that are the basis of a well-known stock or bond index


closed-end fund: a regulated investment company that issues a fixed number of shares which are listed on a stock market


closed-end investment company: a regulated investment company that issues a fixed number of shares which are listed on a stock market


face-amount certificate company: a regulated investment company that pays a stated amount to certificate holders on a stated maturity date


Real Estate Investment Trust: an investment trust that owns and manages a pool of commercial properties and mortgages and other real estate assets; shares can be bought and sold in the stock market


REIT: an investment trust that owns and manages a pool of commercial properties and mortgages and other real estate assets; shares can be bought and sold in the stock market


unit investment trust: a regulated investment company consisting of professional managers who issue redeemable securities representing a portfolio of many different securities


unit trust: a regulated investment company consisting of professional managers who issue redeemable securities representing a portfolio of many different securities


market: the securities markets in the aggregate


securities industry: the securities markets in the aggregate


bear market: a market characterized by falling prices for securities


bull market: a market characterized by rising prices for securities


the City: used to allude to the securities industry of Great Britain


Wall Street: used to allude to the securities industry of the United States


the Street: used to allude to the securities industry of the United States


money market: a market for short-term debt instruments


service industry: an industry that provides services rather than tangible objects


management consulting: a service industry that provides advice to those in charge of running a business


shipbuilder: a business that builds and repairs ships


shipbuilding industry: an industry that builds ships


shoe industry: an industry that manufactures and sells shoes


sign industry: an industry that produces signs


signage: signs collectively (especially commercial signs or posters)


steel industry: the industry that makes steel and steel products


sunrise industry: a new industry that is expanding rapidly (especially telecommunications or electronics)


tobacco industry: an industry that manufactures and sells products containing tobacco


toy industry: an industry that manufactures and sells toys for children


toy business: an industry that manufactures and sells toys for children


trucking industry: an industry that provides transportation for commercial products


agriculture: the class of people engaged in growing food


brotherhood: people engaged in a particular occupation


fraternity: people engaged in a particular occupation


sodality: people engaged in a particular occupation


sisterhood: a religious society of women who live together as sisters (especially an order of nuns)


establishment: any large organization


corporate investor: a company that invests in (acquires control of) other companies


target company: a company that has been chosen as attractive for takeover by a potential acquirer


takeover target: a company that has been chosen as attractive for takeover by a potential acquirer


raider: a corporate investor who intends to take over a company by buying a controlling interest in its stock and installing new management


sleeping beauty: a potential takeover target that has not yet been put in play


underperformer: a business that is less successful than expected


white knight: a company that is a friendly acquirer in a takeover


white squire: a white knight that buys less than a majority interest


auction house: a firm that conducts auctions


A-team: a group of elite soldiers or a leadership group of advisors or workers in an organization


battery: a unit composed of the pitcher and catcher


administrative unit: a unit with administrative responsibilities


administrative body: a unit with administrative responsibilities


company: a unit of firefighters including their equipment


coronary care unit: a hospital unit specially staffed and equipped to treat patients with serious cardiac problems


family: a social unit living together


household: a social unit living together


house: a social unit living together


home: a social unit living together


menage: a social unit living together


menage a trois: household for three; an arrangement where a married couple and a lover of one of them live together while sharing sexual relations


flying squad: a mobile group of trained people (police or executives or officials) able to move quickly in the case of emergencies


major-league team: a team that plays in a major league


major-league club: a team that plays in a major league


minor-league team: a team that plays in a minor league


minor-league club: a team that plays in a minor league


farm team: a minor-league team that is owned by a major-league team (especially in baseball)


farm club: a minor-league team that is owned by a major-league team (especially in baseball)


baseball team: a team that plays baseball


baseball club: a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together


ball club: a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together


club: a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together


nine: a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together


basketball team: a team that plays basketball


five: a team that plays basketball


football team: a team that plays football


eleven: a team that plays football


hockey team: a team that plays ice hockey


junior varsity: a college or university team that competes at a level below the varsity team


JV: a college or university team that competes at a level below the varsity team


varsity: a team representing a college or university


first team: a team representing a college or university


second string: a squad of players that are available either individually or as a team to relieve or replace the players who started the game


police squad: a small squad of policemen trained to deal with a particular kind of crime


squad: a small squad of policemen trained to deal with a particular kind of crime


powerhouse: a team considered to be the best of its class


offense: the team that has the ball (or puck) and is trying to score


offence: the team that has the ball (or puck) and is trying to score


defense: (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring


defence: (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring


defending team: (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring


religion: an institution to express belief in a divine power


faith: an institution to express belief in a divine power


organized religion: an institution to express belief in a divine power


Christendom: the collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia)


Christianity: the collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia)


church: one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship


Christian church: one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship


church: the body of people who attend or belong to a particular local church


Armenian Church: an independent Christian church established in Armenia since 300; was influenced by both Roman and Byzantine traditions


Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church: an independent Christian church established in Armenia since 300; was influenced by both Roman and Byzantine traditions


Catholic Church: any of several churches claiming to have maintained historical continuity with the original Christian Church


Roman Catholic: the Christian Church based in the Vatican and presided over by a pope and an episcopal hierarchy


Western Church: the Christian Church based in the Vatican and presided over by a pope and an episcopal hierarchy


Roman Catholic Church: the Christian Church based in the Vatican and presided over by a pope and an episcopal hierarchy


Church of Rome: the Christian Church based in the Vatican and presided over by a pope and an episcopal hierarchy


Roman Church: the Christian Church based in the Vatican and presided over by a pope and an episcopal hierarchy


Albigenses: a Christian religious sect in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries; believers in Albigensianism


Cathars: a Christian religious sect in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries; believers in Albigensianism


Cathari: a Christian religious sect in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries; believers in Albigensianism


Nestorian Church: a Christian Church in the Middle East that followed Nestorianism; there is still a small Nestorian Church in Iraq


Rome: the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church


Curia: (Roman Catholic Church) the central administration governing the Roman Catholic Church


Sacred College: (Roman Catholic Church) the body of cardinals who advise the Pope and elect new Popes


College of Cardinals: (Roman Catholic Church) the body of cardinals who advise the Pope and elect new Popes


Old Catholic Church: Catholic churches that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 18th century


Eastern Church: the Catholic Church as it existed in the Byzantine Empire


Byzantine Church: the Catholic Church as it existed in the Byzantine Empire


Orthodox Church: derived from the Byzantine Church and adhering to Byzantine rites


Orthodox Catholic Church: derived from the Byzantine Church and adhering to Byzantine rites


Eastern Orthodox Church: derived from the Byzantine Church and adhering to Byzantine rites


Eastern Church: derived from the Byzantine Church and adhering to Byzantine rites


Eastern Orthodox: derived from the Byzantine Church and adhering to Byzantine rites


Greek Orthodox Church: state church of Greece; an autonomous part of the Eastern Orthodox Church


Greek Church: state church of Greece; an autonomous part of the Eastern Orthodox Church


Russian Orthodox Church: an independent church with its own Patriarch; until 1917 it was the established church or Russia


Uniat Church: any of several churches in eastern Europe or the Middle East that acknowledge papal authority but retain their own liturgy


Uniate Church: any of several churches in eastern Europe or the Middle East that acknowledge papal authority but retain their own liturgy


Coptic Church: the ancient Christian church of Egypt


Pentecostal religion: any fundamentalist Protestant Church that uses revivalistic methods to achieve experiences comparable to the Pentecostal experiences of the first Christian disciples


Protestant Church: the Protestant churches and denominations collectively


Protestant: the Protestant churches and denominations collectively


Christian Church: a Protestant church that accepts the Bible as the only source of true Christian faith and practices baptism by immersion


Disciples of Christ: a Protestant church that accepts the Bible as the only source of true Christian faith and practices baptism by immersion


Anglican Church: the national church of England (and all other churches in other countries that share its beliefs); has its see in Canterbury and the sovereign as its temporal head


Anglican Communion: the national church of England (and all other churches in other countries that share its beliefs); has its see in Canterbury and the sovereign as its temporal head


Church of England: the national church of England (and all other churches in other countries that share its beliefs); has its see in Canterbury and the sovereign as its temporal head


Episcopal Church: United States church that is in communication with the see of Canterbury


Protestant Episcopal Church: United States church that is in communication with the see of Canterbury


Church of Ireland: autonomous branch of the Church of England in Ireland


Episcopal Church: an autonomous branch of the Anglican Communion in Scotland


Episcopal Church of Scotland: an autonomous branch of the Anglican Communion in Scotland


High Church: a group in the Anglican Church that emphasizes the Catholic tradition (especially in sacraments and rituals and obedience to church authority)


High Anglican Church: a group in the Anglican Church that emphasizes the Catholic tradition (especially in sacraments and rituals and obedience to church authority)


Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: church founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah


Mormon Church: church founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah


Mormons: church founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah


Baptist Church: any of various evangelical Protestant churches that believe in the baptism of voluntary believers


Baptists: any of various evangelical Protestant churches that believe in the baptism of voluntary believers


Baptist denomination: group of Baptist congregations


American Baptist Convention: an association of Northern Baptists


Northern Baptist Convention: an association of Northern Baptists


Southern Baptist Convention: an association of Southern Baptists


Arminian Baptist: group of Baptist congregations believing the teachings of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius (who opposed the doctrine of strict predestination of the Calvinists)


General Baptist: group of Baptist congregations believing the teachings of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius (who opposed the doctrine of strict predestination of the Calvinists)


Calvinistic Baptist: group of Baptist congregations believing the teachings of the French theologian John Calvin who believed in strict predetermination


Particular Baptist: group of Baptist congregations believing the teachings of the French theologian John Calvin who believed in strict predetermination


Church of the Brethren: a Baptist denomination founded in 1708 by Americans of German descent; opposed to military service and taking legal oaths; practiced trine immersion


Dunkers: a Baptist denomination founded in 1708 by Americans of German descent; opposed to military service and taking legal oaths; practiced trine immersion


Dippers: a Baptist denomination founded in 1708 by Americans of German descent; opposed to military service and taking legal oaths; practiced trine immersion


Christian Science: Protestant denomination founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866


Church of Christ Scientist: Protestant denomination founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866


Congregational Church: a Protestant denomination holding that each individual congregation should be self-governing


Congregational Christian Church: merger of the Congregational Church and the Christian Church


Evangelical and Reformed Church: a Protestant denomination of Calvinist faith


United Church of Christ: merger of the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1957


Jehovah's Witnesses: Protestant denomination founded in the United States by Charles Taze Russell in 1884


Lutheran Church: the Protestant denomination adhering to the views of Martin Luther


Presbyterian Church: the Protestant denomination adhering to the views of John Calvin


Unitarian Church: the Protestant denomination that rejects the doctrine of the Trinity


Arminian Church: the Protestant denomination adhering to the views of Jacobus Arminius


Methodist Church: a Protestant denomination founded on the principles of John Wesley and Charles Wesley


Methodists: a Protestant denomination founded on the principles of John Wesley and Charles Wesley


Methodist denomination: group of Methodist congregations


Wesleyan Methodist Church: the original Methodist Church


Wesleyan Methodists: the original Methodist Church


Evangelical United Brethren Church: a Methodist denomination


United Methodist Church: union of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church


Anabaptist denomination: a Protestant sect denying infant baptism and baptising only believers


Mennonite Church: formed from the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century; noted for its simplicity of life


Unification Church: a Christian church (with some Buddhist elements) founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon and known for staging mass weddings and other communal activities


Abecedarian: a 16th century sect of Anabaptists centered in Germany who had an absolute disdain for human knowledge


Amish sect: an orthodox Anabaptist sect separated from the Mennonites in late 17th century; settled chiefly in southeastern Pennsylvania


Judaism: Jews collectively who practice a religion based on the Torah and the Talmud


Hebraism: Jews collectively who practice a religion based on the Torah and the Talmud


Jewish religion: Jews collectively who practice a religion based on the Torah and the Talmud


Sanhedrin: the supreme judicial and ecclesiastical council of ancient Jerusalem


Karaites: a Jewish sect that recognizes only the Hebrew Scriptures as the source of divinely inspired legislation and denies the authority of the postbiblical tradition of the Talmud; the sect arose in Iraq in the eighth century


Orthodox Judaism: Jews who strictly observe the Mosaic law as interpreted in the Talmud


Jewish Orthodoxy: Jews who strictly observe the Mosaic law as interpreted in the Talmud


Hasidim: a sect of Orthodox Jews that arose out of a pietistic movement originating in eastern Europe in the second half of the 18th century; a sect that follows the Mosaic law strictly


Hassidim: a sect of Orthodox Jews that arose out of a pietistic movement originating in eastern Europe in the second half of the 18th century; a sect that follows the Mosaic law strictly


Hasidism: a sect of Orthodox Jews that arose out of a pietistic movement originating in eastern Europe in the second half of the 18th century; a sect that follows the Mosaic law strictly


Chasidim: a sect of Orthodox Jews that arose out of a pietistic movement originating in eastern Europe in the second half of the 18th century; a sect that follows the Mosaic law strictly


Chassidim: a sect of Orthodox Jews that arose out of a pietistic movement originating in eastern Europe in the second half of the 18th century; a sect that follows the Mosaic law strictly


Conservative Judaism: Jews who keep some of the requirements of the Mosaic law but allow for adaptation of other requirements (as some of the dietary laws) to fit modern circumstances


Reform Judaism: the most liberal Jews; Jews who do not follow the Talmud strictly but try to adapt all of the historical forms of Judaism to the modern world


Islam: the civilization of Muslims collectively which is governed by the Muslim religion


Muslimism: the civilization of Muslims collectively which is governed by the Muslim religion


Islamism: a fundamentalist Islamic revivalist movement generally characterized by moral conservatism and the literal interpretation of the Koran and the attempt to implement Islamic values in all aspects of life


Shiah: one of the two main branches of orthodox Islam; mainly in Iran


Shia: one of the two main branches of orthodox Islam; mainly in Iran


Shiah Islam: one of the two main branches of orthodox Islam; mainly in Iran


Sunni: one of the two main branches of orthodox Islam


Sunni Islam: one of the two main branches of orthodox Islam


Hinduism: the religion of most people in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal


Hindooism: the religion of most people in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal


Brahmanism: the religious and social system of orthodox Hinduism


Brahminism: the religious and social system of orthodox Hinduism


Shivaism: a Hindu sect worshiping Shiva


Sivaism: a Hindu sect worshiping Shiva


Shaktism: a Hindu sect worshiping Shakti


Saktism: a Hindu sect worshiping Shakti


Vaishnavism: Hindu sect worshiping of Vishnu


Vaisnavism: Hindu sect worshiping of Vishnu


Haredi: any of several sects of Orthodox Judaism that reject modern secular culture and many of whom do not recognize the spiritual authority of the modern state of Israel


Hare Krishna: a religious sect founded in the United States in 1966; based on Vedic scriptures; groups engage in joyful chanting of `Hare Krishna' and other mantras based on the name of the Hindu god Krishna; devotees usually wear saffron robes and practice vegetarianism and celibacy


International Society for Krishna Consciousness: a religious sect founded in the United States in 1966; based on Vedic scriptures; groups engage in joyful chanting of `Hare Krishna' and other mantras based on the name of the Hindu god Krishna; devotees usually wear saffron robes and practice vegetarianism and celibacy


ISKCON: a religious sect founded in the United States in 1966; based on Vedic scriptures; groups engage in joyful chanting of `Hare Krishna' and other mantras based on the name of the Hindu god Krishna; devotees usually wear saffron robes and practice vegetarianism and celibacy


Jainism: sect founded in the 6th century BC as a revolt against Hinduism


Taoism: religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu


Taoism: a Chinese sect claiming to follow the teaching of Lao-tzu but incorporating pantheism and sorcery in addition to Taoism


Buddhism: a religion represented by the many groups (especially in Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist doctrine and that venerate Buddha


Zen: school of Mahayana Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; China and Japan


Zen Buddhism: school of Mahayana Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; China and Japan


Mahayana: a major school of Buddhism teaching social concern and universal salvation; China; Japan; Tibet; Nepal; Korea; Mongolia


Hinayana: a major school of Buddhism teaching personal salvation through one's own efforts


Tantrism: movement within Buddhism combining elements of Hinduism and paganism


Khalsa: the group of initiated Sikhs to which devout orthodox Sikhs are ritually admitted at puberty; founded by the tenth and last Guru in 1699


Scientology: a new religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1955 and characterized by a belief in the power of a person's spirit to clear itself of past painful experiences through self-knowledge and spiritual fulfillment


Church of Scientology: a new religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1955 and characterized by a belief in the power of a person's spirit to clear itself of past painful experiences through self-knowledge and spiritual fulfillment


Shinto: the native religion and former ethnic cult of Japan


Kokka Shinto: the branch of Shinto recognized as the official state religion of Japan


Kokka: the branch of Shinto recognized as the official state religion of Japan


Shuha Shinto: any branch of Shinto other than Kokka


Shua: any branch of Shinto other than Kokka


established church: the church that is recognized as the official church of a nation


vicariate: the religious institution under the authority of a vicar


vicarship: the religious institution under the authority of a vicar


variety: (biology) a taxonomic category consisting of members of a species that differ from others of the same species in minor but heritable characteristics


breed: a special variety of domesticated animals within a species


strain: a special variety of domesticated animals within a species


stock: a special variety of domesticated animals within a species


bloodstock: thoroughbred horses (collectively)


pedigree: line of descent of a purebred animal


lineage: the descendants of one individual


line: the descendants of one individual


line of descent: the descendants of one individual


descent: the descendants of one individual


bloodline: the descendants of one individual


blood line: the descendants of one individual


blood: the descendants of one individual


pedigree: the descendants of one individual


ancestry: the descendants of one individual


origin: the descendants of one individual


parentage: the descendants of one individual


stemma: the descendants of one individual


stock: the descendants of one individual


side: a family line of descent


genealogy: successive generations of kin


family tree: successive generations of kin


phylum: (biology) the major taxonomic group of animals and plants; contains classes


subphylum: (biology) a taxonomic group ranking between a phylum and a class


superphylum: (biology) a taxonomic group ranking between a phylum and below a class or subclass


phylum: (linguistics) a large group of languages that are historically related


class: (biology) a taxonomic group containing one or more orders


subclass: (biology) a taxonomic category below a class and above an order


superclass: (biology) a taxonomic class below a phylum and above a class


order: (biology) taxonomic group containing one or more families


suborder: (biology) taxonomic group that is a subdivision of an order


superorder: (biology) a taxonomic group ranking above an order and below a class or subclass


family: (biology) a taxonomic group containing one or more genera


superfamily: (biology) a taxonomic group ranking below an order but above a family


form family: (biology) an artificial taxonomic category for organisms of which the true relationships are obscure


subfamily: (biology) a taxonomic category below a family


tribe: (biology) a taxonomic category between a genus and a subfamily


genus: (biology) taxonomic group containing one or more species


subgenus: (biology) taxonomic group between a genus and a species


monotype: (biology) a taxonomic group with a single member (a single species or genus)


type genus: (biology) genus from which the name of a family or subfamily is formed; it is not necessarily the most representative genus but often the largest or best known or earliest described


form genus: (biology) an artificial taxonomic category for organisms of which the true relationships are obscure


species: (biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed


subspecies: (biology) a taxonomic group that is a division of a species; usually arises as a consequence of geographical isolation within a species


race: (biology) a taxonomic group that is a division of a species; usually arises as a consequence of geographical isolation within a species


endangered species: a species whose numbers are so small that the species is at risk of extinction


fish species: a species of fish


form: (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups


variant: (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups


strain: (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups


var.: (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups


type: (biology) the taxonomic group whose characteristics are used to define the next higher taxon


type species: (biology) the species that best exemplifies the essential characteristics of the genus to which it belongs


civilization: a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)


civilisation: a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)


profession: the body of people in a learned occupation


legal profession: the body of individuals qualified to practice law in a particular jurisdiction


bar: the body of individuals qualified to practice law in a particular jurisdiction


legal community: the body of individuals qualified to practice law in a particular jurisdiction


health profession: the body of individuals whose work helps to maintain the health of their clients


medical profession: the body of individuals who are qualified to practice medicine


medical community: the body of individuals who are qualified to practice medicine


nursing: the profession of a nurse


businessmen: the body of individuals who manage businesses


business community: the body of individuals who manage businesses


community of scholars: the body of individuals holding advanced academic degrees


economics profession: the body of professional economists


priesthood: the body of ordained religious practitioners


pastorate: pastors collectively


prelacy: prelates collectively


prelature: prelates collectively


ministry: religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)


rabbinate: rabbis collectively


ministry: a government department under the direction of a minister


Foreign Office: the government department in charge of foreign relations


Home Office: the government department in charge of domestic affairs


French Foreign Office: the French department in charge of foreign affairs; referred to familiarly by its address in Paris


Quai d'Orsay: the French department in charge of foreign affairs; referred to familiarly by its address in Paris


Free French: a French movement during World War II that was organized in London by Charles de Gaulle to fight for the liberation of France from German control and for the restoration of the republic


Fighting French: a French movement during World War II that was organized in London by Charles de Gaulle to fight for the liberation of France from German control and for the restoration of the republic


department: a specialized division of a large organization


section: a specialized division of a large organization


academic department: a division of a school that is responsible for a given subject


anthropology department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in anthropology


department of anthropology: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in anthropology


art department: the academic department responsible for teaching art and art appreciation


biology department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in biology


department of biology: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in biology


chemistry department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in chemistry


department of chemistry: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in chemistry


department of computer science: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in computer science


economics department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in economics


department of economics: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in economics


English department: the academic department responsible for teaching English and American literature


department of English: the academic department responsible for teaching English and American literature


history department: the academic department responsible for teaching history


department of history: the academic department responsible for teaching history


linguistics department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in linguistics


department of linguistics: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in linguistics


mathematics department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in mathematics


department of mathematics: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in mathematics


philosophy department: the academic department responsible for teaching philosophy


department of philosophy: the academic department responsible for teaching philosophy


physics department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in physics


department of physics: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in physics


music department: the academic department responsible for teaching music and music appreciation


department of music: the academic department responsible for teaching music and music appreciation


psychology department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in psychology


department of psychology: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in psychology


sociology department: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in sociology


department of sociology: the academic department responsible for teaching and research in sociology


business department: a division of a business firm


advertising department: the division of a business that is responsible for advertising


advertising division: the division of a business that is responsible for advertising


editorial department: the department of a publishing business that edits material for publication


city desk: the editorial department of a newspaper that edits the local news


city room: the editorial department of a newspaper that edits the local news


sports desk: the editorial department of a newspaper that edits the sports news


parts department: the division of a business (e.g. a service garage) that sells replacement parts


personnel department: the department responsible for hiring and training and placing employees and for setting policies for personnel management


personnel office: the department responsible for hiring and training and placing employees and for setting policies for personnel management


personnel: the department responsible for hiring and training and placing employees and for setting policies for personnel management


staff office: the department responsible for hiring and training and placing employees and for setting policies for personnel management


plant department: the division of a business responsible for building and maintaining the physical plant


building department: the division of a business responsible for building and maintaining the physical plant


purchasing department: the division of a business that is responsible for purchases


sales department: the division of a business that is responsible for selling products or services


sales division: the division of a business that is responsible for selling products or services


sales force: the division of a business that is responsible for selling products or services


service department: the division of a business that provides customer services


government department: a department of government


payroll: the department that determines the amounts of wage or salary due to each employee


payroll department: the department that determines the amounts of wage or salary due to each employee


treasury: the government department responsible for collecting and managing and spending public revenues


local department: a permanent department created to perform the work of a local government


department of local government: a permanent department created to perform the work of a local government


corrections: the department of local government that is responsible for managing the treatment of convicted offenders


department of corrections: the department of local government that is responsible for managing the treatment of convicted offenders


security: a department responsible for the security of the institution's property and workers


security department: a department responsible for the security of the institution's property and workers


fire department: the department of local government responsible for preventing and extinguishing fires


fire brigade: British name for a fire department


fire brigade: a private or temporary organization of individuals equipped to fight fires


fire company: a private or temporary organization of individuals equipped to fight fires


police department: the department of local government concerned with enforcing the law and preventing crime


sanitation department: the department of local government responsible for collecting and disposing of garbage


Special Branch: a government police department dealing with political security


State Department: a department of government in one of the 50 states


federal department: a department of the federal government of the United States


federal office: a department of the federal government of the United States


department of the federal government: a department of the federal government of the United States


Atomic Energy Commission: a former executive agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States


AEC: a former executive agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States


Nuclear Regulatory Commission: an independent federal agency created in 1974 to license and regulate nuclear power plants


NRC: an independent federal agency created in 1974 to license and regulate nuclear power plants


Manhattan Project: a former United States executive agency that was responsible for developing atomic bombs during World War II


Environmental Protection Agency: an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment


EPA: an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment


executive department: a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States


executive agency: an agency of the executive branch of government


Federal Emergency Management Agency: an independent agency of the United States government that provides a single point of accountability for all federal emergency preparedness and mitigation and response activities


FEMA: an independent agency of the United States government that provides a single point of accountability for all federal emergency preparedness and mitigation and response activities


Food and Drug Administration: a federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products


FDA: a federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products


Council of Economic Advisors: an executive agency responsible for providing economic advice to the President


Center for Disease Control and Prevention: a federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services; located in Atlanta; investigates and diagnoses and tries to control or prevent diseases (especially new and unusual diseases)


CDC: a federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services; located in Atlanta; investigates and diagnoses and tries to control or prevent diseases (especially new and unusual diseases)


Central Intelligence Agency: an independent agency of the United States government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the Director of Central Intelligence under the supervision of the President and National Security Council


CIA: an independent agency of the United States government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the Director of Central Intelligence under the supervision of the President and National Security Council


Counterterrorist Center: an agency that helps the Director of Central Intelligence coordinate counterterrorist efforts in order to preempt and disrupt and defeat terrorist activities at the earliest possible stage


CTC: an agency that helps the Director of Central Intelligence coordinate counterterrorist efforts in order to preempt and disrupt and defeat terrorist activities at the earliest possible stage


Nonproliferation Center: an agency that serves as the focal point for all Intelligence Community activities related to nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their missile delivery systems


NPC: an agency that serves as the focal point for all Intelligence Community activities related to nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their missile delivery systems


Interstate Commerce Commission: a former independent federal agency that supervised and set rates for carriers that transported goods and people between states; was terminated in 1995


ICC: a former independent federal agency that supervised and set rates for carriers that transported goods and people between states; was terminated in 1995


National Aeronautics and Space Administration: an independent agency of the United States government responsible for aviation and spaceflight


NASA: an independent agency of the United States government responsible for aviation and spaceflight


National Archives and Records Administration: the independent agency that oversees management of federal government records including presidential libraries and historic collections


NARA: the independent agency that oversees management of federal government records including presidential libraries and historic collections


National Labor Relations Board: an independent agency of the United States government charged with mediating disputes between management and labor unions


NLRB: an independent agency of the United States government charged with mediating disputes between management and labor unions


National Science Foundation: an independent agency of the federal government responsible for the promotion of progress in science and engineering by supporting programs in research and education


NSF: an independent agency of the federal government responsible for the promotion of progress in science and engineering by supporting programs in research and education


Postal Rate Commission: an independent federal agency that recommends changes in postal rates


United States Postal Service: an independent federal agency that provides mail processing and delivery service for individuals and businesses in the United States


US Postal Service: an independent federal agency that provides mail processing and delivery service for individuals and businesses in the United States


USPS: an independent federal agency that provides mail processing and delivery service for individuals and businesses in the United States


United States Postal Inspection Service: the primary law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service


US Postal Inspection Service: the primary law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service


National Security Council: a committee in the executive branch of government that advises the president on foreign and military and national security; supervises the Central Intelligence Agency


NSC: a committee in the executive branch of government that advises the president on foreign and military and national security; supervises the Central Intelligence Agency


Council on Environmental Policy: the executive agency that advises the President on protecting the environment


Joint Chiefs of Staff: the executive agency that advises the President on military questions; composed of the chiefs of the United States Army and the United States Navy and the United States Air Force and the commandant of the United States Marine Corps


Joint Chiefs: the executive agency that advises the President on military questions; composed of the chiefs of the United States Army and the United States Navy and the United States Air Force and the commandant of the United States Marine Corps


Office of Management and Budget: the executive agency that advises the President on the federal budget


OMB: the executive agency that advises the President on the federal budget


United States Trade Representative: the executive agency that administers the President's policies on international trade


US Trade Representative: the executive agency that administers the President's policies on international trade


White House: the chief executive department of the United States government


EXEC: the chief executive department of the United States government


Department of Agriculture: the federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy); created in 1862


Agriculture Department: the federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy); created in 1862


Agriculture: the federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy); created in 1862


USDA: the federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy); created in 1862


Department of Commerce: the United States federal department that promotes and administers domestic and foreign trade (including management of the census and the patent office); created in 1913


Commerce Department: the United States federal department that promotes and administers domestic and foreign trade (including management of the census and the patent office); created in 1913


Commerce: the United States federal department that promotes and administers domestic and foreign trade (including management of the census and the patent office); created in 1913


DoC: the United States federal department that promotes and administers domestic and foreign trade (including management of the census and the patent office); created in 1913


Bureau of the Census: the bureau of the Commerce Department responsible for taking the census; provides demographic information and analyses about the population of the United States


Census Bureau: the bureau of the Commerce Department responsible for taking the census; provides demographic information and analyses about the population of the United States


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: an agency in the Department of Commerce that maps the oceans and conserves their living resources; predicts changes to the earth's environment; provides weather reports and forecasts floods and hurricanes and other natural disasters related to weather


NOAA: an agency in the Department of Commerce that maps the oceans and conserves their living resources; predicts changes to the earth's environment; provides weather reports and forecasts floods and hurricanes and other natural disasters related to weather


National Climatic Data Center: the part of NOAA that maintains the world's largest active archive of weather data


NCDC: the part of NOAA that maintains the world's largest active archive of weather data


National Weather Service: the federal agency in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that is responsible for weather forecast and preparation of weather maps


Technology Administration: an agency in the Department of Commerce that works with United States industries to promote competitiveness and maximize the impact of technology on economic growth


National Institute of Standards and Technology: an agency in the Technology Administration that makes measurements and sets standards as needed by industry or government programs


NIST: an agency in the Technology Administration that makes measurements and sets standards as needed by industry or government programs


National Technical Information Service: an agency in the Technology Administration that is a primary resource for government-funded scientific and technical and engineering and business related information


NTIS: an agency in the Technology Administration that is a primary resource for government-funded scientific and technical and engineering and business related information


Department of Defense: the federal department responsible for safeguarding national security of the United States; created in 1947


Defense Department: the federal department responsible for safeguarding national security of the United States; created in 1947


United States Department of Defense: the federal department responsible for safeguarding national security of the United States; created in 1947


Defense: the federal department responsible for safeguarding national security of the United States; created in 1947


DoD: the federal department responsible for safeguarding national security of the United States; created in 1947


Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency: the central research and development organization for the United States Department of Defense; responsible for developing new surveillance technologies since 9/11


DARPA: the central research and development organization for the United States Department of Defense; responsible for developing new surveillance technologies since 9/11


Department of Defense Laboratory System: a defense laboratory that provides essential services in fundamental science for national security and environmental protection and provides technologies that contribute to industrial competitiveness


LABLINK: a defense laboratory that provides essential services in fundamental science for national security and environmental protection and provides technologies that contribute to industrial competitiveness


Department of Education: the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with education (including federal aid to educational institutions and students); created 1979


Education Department: the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with education (including federal aid to educational institutions and students); created 1979


Education: the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with education (including federal aid to educational institutions and students); created 1979


Department of Energy: the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the United States; created in 1977


Energy Department: the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the United States; created in 1977


Energy: the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the United States; created in 1977


DOE: the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the United States; created in 1977


Department of Energy Intelligence: an agency that collects political and economic and technical information about energy matters and makes the Department of Energy's technical and analytical expertise available to other members of the Intelligence Community


DOEI: an agency that collects political and economic and technical information about energy matters and makes the Department of Energy's technical and analytical expertise available to other members of the Intelligence Community


Department of Health and Human Services: the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with health and welfare; created in 1979


Health and Human Services: the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with health and welfare; created in 1979


HHS: the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with health and welfare; created in 1979


United States Public Health Service: an agency that serves as the office of Surgeon General; includes agencies whose mission is to improve the public health


PHS: an agency that serves as the office of Surgeon General; includes agencies whose mission is to improve the public health


National Institutes of Health: an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services whose mission is to employ science in the pursuit of knowledge to improve human health; is the principal biomedical research agency of the federal government


NIH: an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services whose mission is to employ science in the pursuit of knowledge to improve human health; is the principal biomedical research agency of the federal government


Federal Communications Commission: an independent government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio and television and wire and cable and satellite


FCC: an independent government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio and television and wire and cable and satellite


Social Security Administration: an independent government agency responsible for the Social Security system


SSA: an independent government agency responsible for the Social Security system


Department of Homeland Security: the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security


Homeland Security: the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security


Department of Housing and Urban Development: the United States federal department that administers federal programs dealing with better housing and urban renewal; created in 1965


Housing and Urban Development: the United States federal department that administers federal programs dealing with better housing and urban renewal; created in 1965


HUD: the United States federal department that administers federal programs dealing with better housing and urban renewal; created in 1965


Department of Justice: the United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation); created in 1870


Justice Department: the United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation); created in 1870


Justice: the United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation); created in 1870


DoJ: the United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation); created in 1870


Bureau of Justice Assistance: the bureau in the Department of Justice that assists local criminal justice systems to reduce or prevent crime and violence and drug abuse


BJA: the bureau in the Department of Justice that assists local criminal justice systems to reduce or prevent crime and violence and drug abuse


Bureau of Justice Statistics: the agency in the Department of Justice that is the primary source of criminal justice statistics for federal and local policy makers


BJS: the agency in the Department of Justice that is the primary source of criminal justice statistics for federal and local policy makers


Federal Bureau of Investigation: a federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Justice


FBI: a federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Justice


Immigration and Naturalization Service: an agency in the Department of Justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the United States


INS: an agency in the Department of Justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the United States


United States Border Patrol: the mobile law enforcement arm of the Immigration and Naturalization Service that detects and prevents illegal entry of aliens into the United States


US Border Patrol: the mobile law enforcement arm of the Immigration and Naturalization Service that detects and prevents illegal entry of aliens into the United States


Federal Law Enforcement Training Center: a center in the Department of that trains law enforcement professionals for more than seventy federal agencies


FLETC: a center in the Department of that trains law enforcement professionals for more than seventy federal agencies


Financial Crimes Enforcement Network: a law enforcement agency of the Treasury Department responsible for establishing and implementing policies to detect money laundering


FinCEN: a law enforcement agency of the Treasury Department responsible for establishing and implementing policies to detect money laundering


Department of Labor: the federal department responsible for promoting the working conditions of wage earners in the United States; created in 1913


Labor Department: the federal department responsible for promoting the working conditions of wage earners in the United States; created in 1913


Labor: the federal department responsible for promoting the working conditions of wage earners in the United States; created in 1913


DoL: the federal department responsible for promoting the working conditions of wage earners in the United States; created in 1913


Department of State: the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies


United States Department of State: the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies


State Department: the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies


State: the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies


DoS: the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies


Foggy Bottom: United States Department of State, which is housed in a building in a low-lying area of Washington near the Potomac River


Bureau of Diplomatic Security: the bureau in the State Department that is responsible for the security of diplomats and embassies overseas


DS: the bureau in the State Department that is responsible for the security of diplomats and embassies overseas


Foreign Service: the part of the State Department that supplies diplomats for the United States embassies and consulates around the world


Bureau of Intelligence and Research: an agency that is the primary source in the State Department for interpretive analyses of global developments and focal point for policy issues and activities of the Intelligence Community


INR: an agency that is the primary source in the State Department for interpretive analyses of global developments and focal point for policy issues and activities of the Intelligence Community


Department of the Interior: the United States federal department charged with conservation and the development of natural resources; created in 1849


Interior Department: the United States federal department charged with conservation and the development of natural resources; created in 1849


Interior: the United States federal department charged with conservation and the development of natural resources; created in 1849


DoI: the United States federal department charged with conservation and the development of natural resources; created in 1849


United States Fish and Wildlife Service: an agency in the Department of the Interior that conserves and protects fish and wildlife and their habitats; assesses the environmental impact of pesticides and nuclear power site and hydroelectric dams and thermal pollution


US Fish and Wildlife Service: an agency in the Department of the Interior that conserves and protects fish and wildlife and their habitats; assesses the environmental impact of pesticides and nuclear power site and hydroelectric dams and thermal pollution


FWS: an agency in the Department of the Interior that conserves and protects fish and wildlife and their habitats; assesses the environmental impact of pesticides and nuclear power site and hydroelectric dams and thermal pollution


National Park Service: an agency of the Interior Department responsible for the national parks


Department of the Treasury: the federal department that collects revenue and administers federal finances; the Treasury Department was created in 1789


Treasury Department: the federal department that collects revenue and administers federal finances; the Treasury Department was created in 1789


Treasury: the federal department that collects revenue and administers federal finances; the Treasury Department was created in 1789


United States Treasury: the federal department that collects revenue and administers federal finances; the Treasury Department was created in 1789


Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms: the law enforcement and tax collection agency of the Treasury Department that enforces federal laws concerning alcohol and tobacco products and firearms and explosives and arson


ATF: the law enforcement and tax collection agency of the Treasury Department that enforces federal laws concerning alcohol and tobacco products and firearms and explosives and arson


Financial Management Service: the federal agency in the Treasury Department that manages the government's disbursement and collection systems and provides central accounting and financial reporting


Office of Intelligence Support: agency that oversees the intelligence relationships of the Treasury's offices and bureaus and provides a link between the Intelligence Community and officials responsible for international economic policy


OIS: agency that oversees the intelligence relationships of the Treasury's offices and bureaus and provides a link between the Intelligence Community and officials responsible for international economic policy


Criminal Investigation Command: the United States Army's principal law enforcement agency responsible for the conduct of criminal investigations for all levels of the Army anywhere in the world


CID: the United States Army's principal law enforcement agency responsible for the conduct of criminal investigations for all levels of the Army anywhere in the world


Drug Enforcement Administration: federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations


Drug Enforcement Agency: federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations


DEA: federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations


Federal Bureau of Prisons: the law enforcement agency of the Justice Department that operates a nationwide system of prisons and detention facilities to incarcerate inmates sentenced to imprisonment for federal crimes


BoP: the law enforcement agency of the Justice Department that operates a nationwide system of prisons and detention facilities to incarcerate inmates sentenced to imprisonment for federal crimes


Federal Judiciary: the judiciary of the United States which is responsible for interpreting and enforcing federal laws


National Institute of Justice: the law enforcement agency that is the research and development branch of the Department of Justice


NIJ: the law enforcement agency that is the research and development branch of the Department of Justice


United States Marshals Service: the United States' oldest federal law enforcement agency is responsible today for protecting the Federal Judiciary and transporting federal prisoners and protecting federal witnesses and managing assets seized from criminals and generally ensuring the effective operation of the federal judicial system


US Marshals Service: the United States' oldest federal law enforcement agency is responsible today for protecting the Federal Judiciary and transporting federal prisoners and protecting federal witnesses and managing assets seized from criminals and generally ensuring the effective operation of the federal judicial system


Marshals: the United States' oldest federal law enforcement agency is responsible today for protecting the Federal Judiciary and transporting federal prisoners and protecting federal witnesses and managing assets seized from criminals and generally ensuring the effective operation of the federal judicial system


Comptroller of the Currency: the agency of the Treasury Department responsible for controlling the currency


Bureau of Customs: the agency of the Treasury Department that enforces import tariffs


Customs Bureau: the agency of the Treasury Department that enforces import tariffs


Customs Service: the agency of the Treasury Department that enforces import tariffs


USCB: the agency of the Treasury Department that enforces import tariffs


Bureau of Engraving and Printing: the agency of the Treasury Department that produces currency


Internal Revenue Service: the bureau of the Treasury Department responsible for tax collections


IRS: the bureau of the Treasury Department responsible for tax collections


Inland Revenue: a board of the British government that administers and collects major direct taxes


IR: a board of the British government that administers and collects major direct taxes


Department of Transportation: the United States federal department that institutes and coordinates national transportation programs; created in 1966


Transportation: the United States federal department that institutes and coordinates national transportation programs; created in 1966


DoT: the United States federal department that institutes and coordinates national transportation programs; created in 1966


Federal Aviation Agency: an agency in the Department of Transportation that is responsible for the safety of civilian aviation


FAA: an agency in the Department of Transportation that is responsible for the safety of civilian aviation


Department of Veterans Affairs: the United States federal department responsible for the interests of military veterans; created in 1989


VA: the United States federal department responsible for the interests of military veterans; created in 1989


Transportation Security Administration: an agency established in 2001 to safeguard United States transportation systems and insure safe air travel


TSA: an agency established in 2001 to safeguard United States transportation systems and insure safe air travel


Department of Commerce and Labor: a former executive department of the United States government; created in 1903 and split into two departments in 1913


Department of Health Education and Welfare: a former executive department of the United States government; created in 1953 and divided in 1979


Navy Department: a former executive department of the United States government; created in 1798 and combined with the War Department in 1947


War Department: a former executive department of the United States government; created in 1789 and combined with the Navy Department in 1947


United States Post Office: an independent agency of the federal government responsible for mail delivery (and sometimes telecommunications) between individuals and businesses in the United States


US Post Office: an independent agency of the federal government responsible for mail delivery (and sometimes telecommunications) between individuals and businesses in the United States


Post Office: an independent agency of the federal government responsible for mail delivery (and sometimes telecommunications) between individuals and businesses in the United States


PO: an independent agency of the federal government responsible for mail delivery (and sometimes telecommunications) between individuals and businesses in the United States


post office: a local branch where postal services are available"


local post office: a local branch where postal services are available"


general delivery: the part of a post office that handles mail for persons who call for it


poste restante: the part of a post office that handles mail for persons who call for it


generally accepted accounting principles: a collection of rules and procedures and conventions that define accepted accounting practice; includes broad guidelines as well as detailed procedures


GAAP: a collection of rules and procedures and conventions that define accepted accounting practice; includes broad guidelines as well as detailed procedures


instrumentality: a subsidiary organ of government created for a special purpose


neonatal intensive care unit: an intensive care unit designed with special equipment to care for premature or seriously ill newborn


NICU: an intensive care unit designed with special equipment to care for premature or seriously ill newborn


intensive care unit: a hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care


ICU: a hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care


denomination: a group of religious congregations having its own organization and a distinctive faith


communion: (Christianity) a group of Christians with a common religious faith who practice the same rites


Protestant denomination: group of Protestant congregations


brethren: (plural) the lay members of a male religious order


order: a group of person living under a religious rule


monastic order: a group of person living under a religious rule


Augustinian order: any of several monastic orders observing a rule derived from the writings of St. Augustine


Augustinian Canons: an Augustinian monastic order


Augustinian Hermits: a monastic order of friars established in 1256 by the Pope


Austin Friars: an Augustinian monastic order


Benedictine order: a Roman Catholic monastic order founded in the 6th century; noted for liturgical worship and for scholarly activities


order of Saint Benedict: a Roman Catholic monastic order founded in the 6th century; noted for liturgical worship and for scholarly activities


Carmelite order: a Roman Catholic mendicant order founded in the 12th century


Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: a Roman Catholic mendicant order founded in the 12th century


Carthusian order: an austere contemplative Roman Catholic order founded by St. Bruno in 1084


Dominican order: a Roman Catholic order of mendicant preachers founded in the 13th century


Franciscan order: a Roman Catholic order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century


Society of Jesus: a Roman Catholic order founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1534 to defend Catholicism against the Reformation and to do missionary work among the heathen; it is strongly committed to education and scholarship


Jesuit order: a Roman Catholic order founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1534 to defend Catholicism against the Reformation and to do missionary work among the heathen; it is strongly committed to education and scholarship


sect: a subdivision of a larger religious group


religious sect: a subdivision of a larger religious group


religious order: a subdivision of a larger religious group


Religious Society of Friends: a Christian sect founded by George Fox about 1660; commonly called Quakers


Society of Friends: a Christian sect founded by George Fox about 1660; commonly called Quakers


Quakers: a Christian sect founded by George Fox about 1660; commonly called Quakers


Shakers: a celibate and communistic Christian sect in the United States


United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing: a celibate and communistic Christian sect in the United States


Assemblies of God: a charismatic Protestant denomination in the United States


Waldenses: a Christian sect of dissenters that originated in southern France in the late 12th century adopted Calvinist doctrines in the 16th century


Vaudois: a Christian sect of dissenters that originated in southern France in the late 12th century adopted Calvinist doctrines in the 16th century


Zurvanism: a Zoroastrian sect that claims Zurvan was the ultimate source of the universe


cult: followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader


cult: followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices


cargo cult: (Melanesia) the followers of one of several millenarian cults that believe salvation will come in the form of wealth (`cargo') brought by westerners; some ascribe divine attributes to westerners on first contact (especially to missionaries)


macumba: (Brazil) followers of a religious cult of African origin


obeah: (West Indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery


obi: (West Indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery


Rastafarian: (Ethiopia) adherents of an African religion that regards Ras Tafari as divine


voodoo: (Haiti) followers of a religion that involves witchcraft and animistic deities


sainthood: saints collectively


clergy: in Christianity, clergymen collectively (as distinguished from the laity)


cardinalate: cardinals collectively


laity: in Christianity, members of a religious community that do not have the priestly responsibilities of ordained clergy


temporalty: in Christianity, members of a religious community that do not have the priestly responsibilities of ordained clergy


pantheon: all the gods of a religion


royalty: royal persons collectively


royal family: royal persons collectively


royal line: royal persons collectively


royal house: royal persons collectively


Ordnance Survey: the official cartography agency of the British government


Bourbon: a European royal line that ruled in France (from 1589-1793) and Spain and Naples and Sicily


Bourbon dynasty: a European royal line that ruled in France (from 1589-1793) and Spain and Naples and Sicily


Capetian dynasty: a Frankish dynasty founded by Hugh Capet that ruled from 987 to 1328


Carolingian dynasty: a Frankish dynasty founded by Charlemagne's father that ruled from 751 to 987


Carlovingian dynasty: a Frankish dynasty founded by Charlemagne's father that ruled from 751 to 987


Flavian dynasty: a dynasty of Roman Emperors from 69 to 96 including Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian


Han: imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time from 206 BC to AD 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of Chinese civilization


Han dynasty: imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time from 206 BC to AD 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of Chinese civilization


Hanover: the English royal house that reigned from 1714 to 1901 (from George I to Victoria)


House of Hanover: the English royal house that reigned from 1714 to 1901 (from George I to Victoria)


Hanoverian line: the English royal house that reigned from 1714 to 1901 (from George I to Victoria)


Habsburg: a royal German family that provided rulers for several European states and wore the crown of the Holy Roman Empire from 1440 to 1806


Hapsburg: a royal German family that provided rulers for several European states and wore the crown of the Holy Roman Empire from 1440 to 1806


Hohenzollern: a German noble family that ruled Brandenburg and Prussia