purchase: Meaning and Definition of

pur•chase

Pronunciation: (pûr'chus), [key]
— v., n. -chased, -chas•ing,
—v.t.
  1. to acquire by the payment of money or its equivalent; buy.
  2. to acquire by effort, sacrifice, flattery, etc.
  3. to influence by a bribe.
  4. to be sufficient to buy: Twenty dollars purchases a subscription.
  5. to acquire (land or other property) by means other than inheritance.
  6. to move, haul, or raise, esp. by applying mechanical power.
  7. to get a leverage on; apply a lever, pulley, or other aid to.
  8. to procure, acquire, or obtain.
—v.i.
  1. to buy something.
—n.
  1. acquisition by the payment of money or its equivalent; buying, or a single act of buying.
  2. something that is purchased or bought.
  3. something purchased, with respect to value in relation to price; buy: At three for a dollar they seemed like a good purchase.
  4. the acquisition of land or other property by means other than inheritance.
  5. acquisition by means of effort, labor, etc.: the purchase of comfort at the price of freedom.
  6. a lever, pulley, or other device that provides mechanical advantage or power for moving or raising a heavy object.
  7. an effective hold or position for applying power in moving or raising a heavy object; leverage.
  8. any means of applying or increasing power, influence, etc.
  9. the annual return or rent from land.
  10. a firm grip or grasp, footing, etc., on something.
  11. booty.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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