prefecture

[pree-fek-cher]

noun

1. the office, jurisdiction, territory, or official residence of a prefect.

prefecture

/ ˈpriːfɛkˌtjʊə /

noun

1. the office, position, or area of authority of a prefect

2. the official residence of a prefect in France, Italy, etc

Other Word Forms

• prefectural adjective
• subprefecture noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prefecture¹

From the Latin word praefectūra, dating back to 1570–80. See prefect, -ure