commodity

[ kuh-mod-i-tee ]

noun

, plural com·mod·i·ties.

1. an article of trade or commerce, especially a product as distinguished from a service.
2. something of use, advantage, or value.
3. Stock Exchange. any unprocessed or partially processed good, as grain, fruits, and vegetables, or precious metals.
4. Obsolete. a quantity of goods.

commodity

/ kəˈmɒdɪtɪ /

noun

1. an article of commerce
2. something of use, advantage, or profit
3. economics an exchangeable unit of economic wealth, esp a primary product or raw material
4. obsolete.
   1. a quantity of goods
   2. convenience or expediency

commodity

1. Any product manufactured or grown.

Other Words From

• noncom·modi·ty adjective noun plural noncommodities

Word History and Origins

Origin of commodity¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English commodite, from Anglo-French, from Latin commoditās “timeliness, convenience,” equivalent to commod(us) ( commode ) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of commodity¹

C14: from Old French commodité, from Latin commoditās suitability, benefit; see commodious

Example Sentences

Moreover, syngas components can be used to make other commodity chemicals.

From Science Daily

The growing popularity of the nutritious “superfood” among health food advocates has transformed the traditional subsistence crop into an important export commodity, providing much needed income to one of the poorest areas of Peru.

From Science Magazine

Wang, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud, apologized Wednesday in court.

From Salon

Programs such as crop insurance, commodity support and nutrition assistance are set to expire at the end of the year, heightening the urgency for Congress to take action.

From Salon

Despite flashes of brilliance as a rookie and a record-setting career at Ohio State, Dobbins was not a highly coveted commodity on the free-agent market.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• asset
• goods
• material
• produce
• product
• property
• stock