assets

See also: ässets

English edit

Etymology edit

From Anglo-Norman asetz, from Old French assez (“enough”). Originally singular, with the meaning "enough to meet liabilities"; later reanalyzed as a plural form.

Pronunciation edit

IPA^(key): /ˈæsɛts/
Audio (Southern England) (file)

Noun edit

assets

plural of asset

Noun edit

assets pl (normally plural, singular asset)

(finance) Any property or object of value that one possesses, usually considered as applicable to the payment of one's debts.
His assets are much greater than his liabilities.
(accounting) The left side of a balance sheet.
The assets must equal liabilities, otherwise there is an error in your balance sheet.
(law) Sufficient estate; property sufficient in the hands of an executor or heir to pay the debts or legacies of the testator or ancestor to satisfy claims against it.
Any goods or property properly available for the payment of a bankrupt's or a deceased person's obligations or debts.
(slang, vulgar, usually in the plural) Private parts; a woman's breasts or buttocks, or a man's genitalia.