Word: bond Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From Middle English bond, a variant of band, from Old English beand, bænd, bend (“bond, chain, fetter, band, ribbon, ornament, chaplet, crown”), from Proto-Germanic *bandaz, *bandiz (“band, fetter”)، from Proto-Indo-European *bʰendʰ- (“to tie; bond, band”). Cognate with Dutch band, German Band, Swedish band. Doublet of Bund. Related to bind. Pronunciation: /bɒnd/, /bɑnd/, /bɔnd/ 1. A document constituting evidence of a long-term debt, by which the bond issuer (the borrower) is obliged to pay interest when due, and repay the principal at maturity, as specified on the face of the bond certificate. The rights of the holder are specified in the bond indenture, which contains the legal terms and conditions under which the bond was issued. Bonds are available in two forms: registered bonds, and bearer bonds. Labels: countable, uncountable 2. A documentary obligation to pay a sum or to perform a contract; a debenture. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return. Example: Many say that government and corporate bonds are a good investment to balance against a portfolio consisting primarily of stocks. 3. A partial payment made to show a provider that the customer is sincere about buying a product or a service. If the product or service is not purchased the customer then forfeits the bond. Labels: countable, uncountable 4. A physical connection which binds, a band. Labels: countable, in-plural, often, uncountable Example: The prisoner was brought before the tribunal in iron bonds. 5. An emotional link, connection or union; that which holds two or more people together, as in a friendship; a tie. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: They had grown up as friends and neighbors, and not even vastly differing political views could break the bond of their friendship. Example: 1792, Edmund Burke, a letter to Sir Hercules Langrishe on the subject of the Roman Catholics of Ireland a people with whom I have no tie but the common bond of mankind. 6. Moral or political duty or obligation. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: I love your majesty / According to my bond, nor more nor less. 7. A link or force between neighbouring atoms in a molecule. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: Organic chemistry primarily consists of the study of carbon bonds, in their many variations. 8. A binding agreement, a covenant. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: You could rely on him. His word was his bond. Example: Herbert resented his wife for subjecting him to the bonds of matrimony; he claimed they had gotten married while drunk. 9. The state of being stored in a bonded warehouse Labels: uncountable Example: liquor bottled in bond 10. A bail bond. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: The bailiff released the prisoner as soon as the bond was posted. Example: Ellison, who is out on bond, also faces the prospect of lengthy imprisonment. Her lawyers did not comment. 11. Bond paper. Labels: countable, uncountable 12. Any constraining or cementing force or material. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: A bond of superglue adhered the teacups to the ceiling, much to the consternation of the cafe owners. 13. In building, a specific pattern of bricklaying, based on overlapping rows or layers to give strength. Labels: countable, uncountable 14. A mortgage. Labels: Scotland, countable, uncountable 15. A heavy copper wire or rod connecting adjacent rails of an electric railway track when used as a part of the electric circuit. Labels: countable, uncountable