prospectus

[pruh-spek-tuhs]

noun

plural

prospectuses 

1. a document describing the major features of a proposed literary work, project, business venture, etc., in enough detail so that prospective investors, participants, or buyers may evaluate it.

   Don't buy the new stock offering until you read the prospectus carefully.

2. a brochure or other document describing the major features, attractions, or services of a place, institution, or business to prospective patrons, clients, owners, or members.

prospectus

/ prəˈspɛktəs /

noun

1. a formal statement giving details of a forthcoming event, such as the publication of a book or an issue of shares

2. a pamphlet or brochure giving details of courses, as at a college or school

Word History and Origins

Origin of prospectus¹

1770–80; < Latin prōspectus outlook, view, equivalent to prōspec-, stem of prōspicere ( prō- pro- ¹ + -spicere, combining form of specere to look) + -tus suffix of v. action

Word History and Origins

Origin of prospectus¹

C18: Latin, literally: distant view; see _prospect

Example Sentences

This information, which might steer investors away from the market’s riskiest assets, is available in the prospectuses companies file with the SEC.

Read more on Barron's

You can’t really answer the question until you see the IPO prospectus and get a better feel for the business and financials.

Read more on Barron's

Every mortgage bond came with its own mind-numbingly tedious 130-page prospectus.

Read more on Literature

I realize I’ve written more words explaining bond-fund credit ratings than the entire prospectus devoted to explaining what they do with your money.

Read more on MarketWatch

In its September prospectus, the company said it plans to issue up to 1.97 billion shares.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• catalogue 
• syllabus