noun
self-governing body; autonomous organ
Refers to an organization or institution that governs itself, such as a local government, professional association, or university.
大学は自治機関として運営されている。
The university is operated as a self-governing body.
地方自治体は自治機関の一種です。
A local government is a type of self-governing body.
自治体 specifically refers to a local government entity, while 自治機関 is a broader term for any self-governing organization.
Compound of 自治 (self-government) and 機関 (organization, organ).