n. pl. fac·ul·ties 1. a. An inherent power or ability: the faculty of speech. b. A talent or natural ability for something: has a wonderful faculty for storytelling. 2. a. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The teachers and instructors of a school or college, or of one of its divisions, especially those considered permanent, full-time employees. b. One of the divisions of a college or university: the faculty of law. c. All of the members of a learned profession: the medical faculty. 3. Authorization granted by authority; conferred power. 4. Archaic An occupation; a trade. [Middle English faculte, from Old French, from Latin facultās, power, ability, from facilis, easy; see dhē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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