Main Entry: ¹op·tion

Pronunciation: \ˈäp-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: French, from Latin option-, optio free choice; akin to Latin optare to choose

Date: 1593

1 : an act of choosing
2 a : the power or right to choose : freedom of choice b : a privilege of demanding fulfillment of a contract on any day within a specified time c : a contract conveying a right to buy or sell designated securities, commodities, or property interest at a specified price during a stipulated period; also : the right conveyed by an option d : a right of an insured person to choose the form in which payments due on a policy shall be made or applied
3 : something that may be chosen: as a : an alternative course of action <didn't have many options open> b : an item that is offered in addition to or in place of standard equipment
4 : an offensive football play in which a back may choose whether to pass or run with the ball —called also option play

synonyms see choice