USUFRUCT

Acivil lawterm referring to the right of one individual to use and enjoy the property of another, provided its substance is neither impaired nor altered.

For example, a usufructuary right would be the right to use water from a stream in order to generate electrical power. Such a right is distinguishable from a claim of legal ownership of the water itself.

usufruct right of temporary possession or use. XVII. — medL. ūsūfrūctus, for L. ūsusfrūctus, more fully ūsus et frūctus use and enjoyment; see USE, FRUIT.