authority/əˋθ ɑrətI; ɔːˈθɒrəti or ɔːˈθɒrIti/n plural authorities 1 [U] the power someone has because of their official position 权力﹔权威: +over Which country has authority over these islands? 哪个国家对这些岛屿享有主权?in authority Could I speak to someone in authority (=who has a position of power) please? 请给我找负责的人好吗?He is now in a position of authority . 他现在处于掌权的位置上。authority to do sth She doesn’t have the authority to dismiss staff. 她没有权力解雇员工。2 [C] an organization or government department that makes official decisions and controls public services 当权者﹔官方﹐当局: Write a letter of complaint to the local authority . 写一封投诉信给当地政府。the San Diego Water Authority 圣迭戈水务局an agreement between the US and Columbian authorities 美国和哥伦比亚当局之间的一个协定3 [C] someone who is respected because of their knowledge about a subject 权威人士: +on Dr Ballard is a leading authority on tropical diseases. 巴拉德医生是热带病的权威。see box at见 EXPERT 方框