Admiral is the highest rank in a navy. The term is used internationally by many countries. It derives originally from the Arabic word emīr (= commander), and came to English by way of Old French and Latin.

Variations on the term are:

• Admiral of the Fleet: originally, the Admiral in charge of an operational fleet, later used to designate senior status.
• Vice-Admiral: step lower in rank than Admiral.
• Rear-Admiral: two steps lower in rank than Admiral.
• Admiralty: the department of government which administers the navy.
  • Admiralty Board: committee of the Ministry of Defence (UK)
• Admiral: a butterfly of vivid color belonging to the Nymphalid family.