Definition of: discount

(dis′kount) noun
1. An amount counted off or deducted from a sum owing or to be paid: ten per cent discount for cash.
2. The interest allowed and deducted from the face amount for advancing money on negotiable paper.
3. The act of discounting.
4. The rate of discount.
—at a discount At less than the face value; below par; hence, not in esteem.
—true or arithmetical discount That interest at a given rate and term which, added to the principal received, gives the face value of the discounted paper.
—v.t. (dis′kount, dis·kount′)
1. To set aside or deduct, as a portion of an amount owed; make an allowance of.
2. To buy or sell (a bill or note) for face value less the amount of interest to be accumulated before maturity.
3. To disregard; take no account of.
4. To believe only part of; allow for exaggeration in.
5. To take into account beforehand; diminish by anticipation, especially so as to lessen value, effect, enjoyment, etc.
—v.i.
6. To lend money, deducting the interest beforehand. [<MF descompte, desconte <OF descompter <Med. L discomputare <dis- away + computare COMPUTE]
—dis′count·a·ble adjective
—dis′count·er noun