Dictionary

asset

noun as·set \ˈa-ˌset also -sət\

: a valuable person or thing

: something that is owned by a person, company, etc.

Full Definition of ASSET

1
plural
a :  the property of a deceased person subject by law to the payment of his or her debts and legacies
b :  the entire property of a person, association, corporation, or estate applicable or subject to the payment of debts
2
:  advantage, resource <his wit is his chief asset>
3
a :  an item of value owned
b plural :  the items on a balance sheet showing the book value of property owned
4
:  something useful in an effort to foil or defeat an enemy: as
a :  a piece of military equipment
b :  spy
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of ASSET

back-formation from assets, singular, sufficient property to pay debts and legacies, from Anglo-French assetz, from asez enough, from Vulgar Latin *ad satis, from Latin ad to + satis enough — more at at, sad
First Known Use: 1531

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer

Rhymes with ASSET

ASSET Defined for Kids

asset

noun as·set \ˈa-ˌset\

Definition of ASSET for Kids

1
:  someone or something that provides a benefit <Your sense of humor is an asset.> <She is an asset to the class.>
2
assets plural :  all the property belonging to a person or an organization
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears