discount

views updated May 14 2018

dis·count • n. / ˈdiskount/ a deduction from the usual cost of something, typically given for prompt or advance payment or to a special category of buyers: many stores will offer a discount on bulk purchases. ∎  Finance a percentage deducted from the face value of a bill of exchange or promissory note when it changes hands before the due date.• v. / ˈdiskount; disˈkount/ [tr.] 1. deduct an amount from (the usual price of something): [as adj.] (discounted) current users qualify for a discounted price. ∎  reduce (a product or service) in price: merchandise that was deeply discounted—up to 50 percent | [as adj.] (discounted) discounted books. ∎  buy or sell (a bill of exchange) before its due date at less than its maturity value.2. regard (a possibility, fact, or person) as being unworthy of consideration because it lacks credibility: I'd heard rumors, but discounted them.• adj. / ˈdiskount/ (of a store or business) offering goods for sale at discounted prices: a discount drugstore chain. ∎  at a price lower than the usual one: a discount flight.PHRASES: at a discount below the nominal or usual price: a plan that allows tenants to buy their homes at a discount. Compare with at a premium (see premium).DERIVATIVES: dis·count·a·ble / disˈkountəbəl/ adj.dis·count·er n.

discount

views updated Jun 27 2018

discount XVII. — F. descompte (mod. décompte), f. descompter vb., whence, if not direct f. It. (di)scontare, discount vb. XVII. See DIS- 2, COUNT 2,