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Prefecture: meaning, definitions and examples

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prefecture

 

[ ˈprɛfɪkʧər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

government division

A prefecture is a district under the authority of a prefect or a similar official. Prefectures are often used as administrative divisions in various countries, particularly in Japan, where they serve as the highest level of local government. This system allows for greater local governance and administration.

Synonyms

administrative division, district, region

Examples of usage

  • He lives in a prefecture located in the central region of Japan.
  • The prefecture was responsible for managing the public health crisis.
  • Each prefecture has its own governor and local legislature.
  • In France, the prefecture is an administrative region overseen by a state representative.

Translations

Translations of the word "prefecture" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prefeitura

🇮🇳 प्रिफ़ेक्चर

🇩🇪 Präfektur

🇮🇩 prefektur

🇺🇦 префектура

🇵🇱 prefektura

🇯🇵 県 (けん, кен)

🇫🇷 préfecture

🇪🇸 prefectura

🇹🇷 prefektür

🇰🇷 도청 (도청)

🇸🇦 محافظة

🇨🇿 prefektura

🇸🇰 prefektúra

🇨🇳 省 (shěng)

🇸🇮 prefektura

🇮🇸 prefektúr

🇰🇿 префектура

🇬🇪 პრეფექტურა

🇦🇿 prefektura

🇲🇽 prefectura

Word origin

The word 'prefecture' originates from the Latin term 'praefectura', which referred to the office or jurisdiction of a prefect, derived from 'praefectus', meaning 'placed in charge'. This Latin root was adapted into Old French as 'prefecture', before entering the English language around the late 14th century. Initially, it described a similar governing structure in various European states. As time progressed, the term became associated with administrative divisions in countries like Japan and France. In Japan, the modern prefectural system was established during the Meiji era to facilitate governance at a local level and to modernize the country's administrative practices. Today, prefectures play a crucial role in local government, promoting regional development and managing public services.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,564, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.