entity

[en-ti-tee]

noun

plural

entities 

1. something that has a real existence; thing.

   corporeal entities.

2. being or existence, especially when considered as distinct, independent, or self-contained.

   He conceived of society as composed of particular entities requiring special treatment.

3. essential nature.

   The entity of justice is universality.

entity

/ ˈɛntɪtətɪv, ˈɛntɪtɪ /

noun

1. something having real or distinct existence; a thing, esp when considered as independent of other things

2. existence or being

3. the essence or real nature

Other Word Forms

• entitative adjective
• entitatively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of entity¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin entitās, from enti-, stem of ēns “being” (present participle of esse “to be”; essence ( def. ) ) + -tās -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of entity¹

C16: from Medieval Latin entitās, from ēns being; see _ens

Example Sentences

Also revealed in the court document was an ultimatum from the US administration that was drawing up its "entity list" of firms viewed as acting contrary to Washington's national security.

Read more on Barron's

Relaxing export controls and removing Chinese companies from U.S. entity lists are expected to be among Beijing’s top requests in the coming trade talks with Washington.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It sanctioned more than 100 entities and several individuals associated with Prince, including the 38-year-old chairman and chief executive officer of the holding company, Chen Zhi, who has extensive clout in Cambodia.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The combined entity will manage a timberland portfolio exceeding 4 million acres and will operate under a new name.

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“We talk about Dropout as an individual entity and it’s not,” says Michaelis.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• body 
• individual