[min-uh-stree] 
| 1. | the service, functions, or profession of a minister of religion. |
| 2. | the body or class of ministers of religion; clergy. |
| 3. | the service, function, or office of a minister of state. |
| 4. | the body of ministers of state. |
| 5. | (usually initial capital letter ) any of the administrative governmental departments of certain countries usually under the direction of a minister of state. |
| 6. | (usually initial capital letter) the building that houses such an administrative department. |
| 7. | the term of office of a minister of state. |
| 8. | an act or instance of ministering; ministration; service. |
| 9. | something that serves as an agency, instrument, or means. |