collateral
1col·lat·er·al
adj \kə-ˈla-t(ə-)rəl\Definition of COLLATERAL
1
a : accompanying as secondary or subordinate : concomitant <digress into collateral matters> b : indirect c : serving to support or reinforce : ancillary
2
: belonging to the same ancestral stock but not in a direct line of descent — compare lineal 3a
3
: parallel, coordinate, or corresponding in position, order, time, or significance <collateral states like Athens and Sparta>
4
a : of, relating to, or being collateral used as security (as for payment of a debt or performance of a contract) b : secured by collateral
— col·lat·er·al·i·ty \-ˌla-tə-ˈra-lə-tē\ noun
— col·lat·er·al·ly \-ˈla-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
See Examples of COLLATERAL
- the collateral effects of the government's policies
Origin of COLLATERAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin collateralis, from Latin com- + lateralis lateral
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Anthropology Terms
Learn More About COLLATERAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: collateral damage
Previous Word in the Dictionary: collate
All Words Near: collateral
Previous Word in the Dictionary: collate
All Words Near: collateral
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up collateral? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
