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 choosing2 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 applied3: 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