Main Entry: ¹de·mand

Pronunciation: \di-ˈmand, -ˈmänd, dē-\

Function: noun

Date: 13th century

1 a : an act of demanding or asking especially with authority <a demand for obedience> b : something claimed as due <a list of demands>
2 archaic : question
3 a : willingness and ability to purchase a commodity or service <the demand for quality day care> b : the quantity of a commodity or service wanted at a specified price and time <supply and demand>
4 a : a seeking or state of being sought after <in great demand as an entertainer> b : urgent need
5 : the requirement of work or of the expenditure of a resource <equal to the demands of the office> <demands on one's time> <oxygen demand for waste oxidation>

— on demand : upon presentation and request for payment; also : when requested or needed <video on demand>