Main Entry: ¹cred·it

Pronunciation: \ˈkre-dit\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French, from Old Italian credito, from Latin creditum something entrusted to another, loan, from neuter of creditus, past participle of credere to believe, entrust — more at creed

Date: 1537

1 : reliance on the truth or reality of something <gave credit to everything he said>
2 a : the balance in a person's favor in an account b : an amount or sum placed at a person's disposal by a bank c : the provision of money, goods, or services with the expectation of future payment <long-term credit>; also : money, goods, or services so provided <exhausted their credit> d (1) : an entry on the right-hand side of an account constituting an addition to a revenue, net worth, or liability account (2) : a deduction from an expense or asset account e : any one of or the sum of the items entered on the right-hand side of an account f : a deduction from an amount otherwise due
3 a : influence or power derived from enjoying the confidence of another or others b : good name : esteem; also : financial or commercial trustworthiness
4 archaic : credibility
5 : a source of honor <a credit to the school>
6 a : something that gains or adds to reputation or esteem : honor <took no credit for his kindly act> b : recognition, acknowledgment <quite willing to accept undeserved credit>
7 : recognition by name of a person contributing to a performance (as a film or telecast) <the opening credits>
8 a : recognition by a school or college that a student has fulfilled a requirement leading to a degree b : credit hour

synonyms see belief, influence