Definition of property

Email this page to a friend

< Propertius, Sextus

property damage insurance >

prop·er·ty    (prpr-t) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. prop·er·ties

1. 1. Something owned; a possession.
   2. A piece of real estate: has a swimming pool on the property.
   3. Something tangible or intangible to which its owner has legal title: properties such as copyrights and trademarks.
   4. Possessions considered as a group.
2. The right of ownership; title.
3. An article, except costumes and scenery, that appears on the stage or on screen during a dramatic performance.
4. 1. A characteristic trait or peculiarity, especially one serving to define or describe its possessor.
   2. A characteristic attribute possessed by all members of a class. See Synonyms at quality.
5. A special capability or power; a virtue: the chemical properties of a metal.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French propriete, from Latin propriets, ownership (translation of Greek idiots), from proprius, one's own; see per¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
proper·ty·less(Adjective)