entity

American  

[en-ti-tee] / ˈɛn tɪ ti /

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.

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entity British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• entitative adjective
• entitatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of entity

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

Example Sentences

League rules, however, state that an individual—not an entity such as a trust—must be the controlling owner of a franchise.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 allows organisations such as health boards to be prosecuted as a single entity rather than individual staff members.

From BBC

These works were penned by Pessoa’s heteronyms, a term he came up with to describe the scores of distinct authorial entities he invented.

From Los Angeles Times

Two business entities were created in Nevada on Jan. 21 to carry out the transaction, Reuters reported.

From MarketWatch

The Saks Off 5th online business, a separate entity, will also wind down and hold liquidation sales beginning on Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• body
• individual