Main Entry: de·ben·ture

Pronunciation: \di-ˈben-chər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English debentur, from Latin, they are due, 3d plural present passive of debēre to owe — more at debt

Date: 15th century

1 British : a corporate security other than an equity security : bond
2 : a bond backed by the general credit of the issuer rather than a specific lien on particular assets