dis·count (dĭs'kount', dĭs-kount')

v., -count·ed, -count·ing, -counts.

v.tr.

1. To deduct or subtract from a cost or price.
2. 1. To purchase or sell (a bill, note, or other commercial paper) at a reduction equal to the amount of interest that will accumulate before it matures.
   2. To lend money on (a commercial paper not immediately payable) after deducting the interest.
3. 1. To sell or offer for sale at a reduced price.
   2. To reduce in quantity or value.
4. 1. To leave out of account as being untrustworthy or exaggerated; disregard: discount a rumor.
   2. To underestimate the significance or effectiveness of; minimize: took care not to discount his wife's accomplishments.
   3. To regard with doubt or disbelief.
5. To anticipate and make allowance for; reckon with in advance.

v.intr.
To lend money after deduction of interest.

n. (dĭs'kount')

1. A reduction from the full or standard amount of a price or debt.
2. The interest deducted prior to purchasing, selling, or lending a commercial paper; the discount rate.
3. The act or an instance of discounting a bill of exchange, note, or other commercial paper.

[Alteration (influenced by DIS-COUNT¹) of French décompter, from Old French desconter : des-, away; see dis- + conter, to count; see count¹.]

discountable dis'count'a·ble adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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