Main Entry: ¹cer·tif·i·cate

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)sər-ˈti-fi-kət\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English certificat, from Medieval Latin certificatum, from Late Latin, neuter of certificatus, past participle of certificare to certify

Date: 15th century

1 : a document containing a certified statement especially as to the truth of something; specifically : a document certifying that one has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a field
2 : something serving the same end as a certificate
3 : a document evidencing ownership or debt <a stock certificate>