dividend: Meaning and Definition of

div•i•dend

Pronunciation: (div'i-dend"), [key]
— n.
  1. a number that is to be divided by a divisor.
  2. a sum out of an insolvent estate paid to creditors.
    1. a pro-rata share in an amount to be distributed.
    2. a sum of money paid to shareholders of a corporation out of earnings.
  3. (in participating insurance) a distribution to a policyholder of a portion of the premium not needed by the company to pay claims or to meet expenses.
  4. a share of anything divided.
  5. anything received as a bonus, reward, or in addition to or beyond what is expected: Swimming is fun, and gives you the dividend of better health.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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