purchase
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1pur·chase
verb \ˈpər-chəs\pur·chasedpur·chas·ing
Definition of PURCHASE
transitive verb
1
2
: to constitute the means for buying <our dollars purchase less each year>
intransitive verb
: to purchase something
— pur·chas·able \-chə-sə-bəl\ adjective
— pur·chas·er noun
See Examples of PURCHASE
- He purchased a new suit for a hundred dollars.
- <I need to purchase a new heavy coat.>
Origin of PURCHASE
Middle English purchacen, from Anglo-French purchacer to strive for, obtain, from por-, pur- thoroughly, to a conclusion (from Latin pro- forward, for) + chacer to pursue, chase — more at pro-
First Known Use: 14th century
2purchase
nounDefinition of PURCHASE
1
: an act or instance of purchasing
2
: something obtained especially for a price in money or its equivalent
3
a (1) : a mechanical hold or advantage applied to the raising or moving of heavy bodies (2) : an apparatus or device by which advantage is gained b (1) : an advantage (as a firm hold or position) used in applying one's power <clutching the steering wheel for more purchase — Barry Crump> (2) : a means of exerting power
Examples of PURCHASE
- The CD player is guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase.
- The car was an expensive purchase.
- He displayed his recent purchases with pride.
- The ice made it impossible for the car's wheels to gain a purchase on the road.
- The surface was so slick that the wheels couldn't gain purchase.
First Known Use of PURCHASE
14th century
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All Words Near: purchase
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