| 1. | the quality of being fair or impartial; fairness; impartiality: the equity of Solomon. |
| 2. | something that is fair and just. |
| 3. | Law.
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| 4. | the monetary value of a property or business beyond any amounts owed on it in mortgages, claims, liens, etc. |
| 5. | Informal. ownership, esp. when considered as the right to share in future profits or appreciation in value. |
| 6. | the interest of the owner of common stock in a corporation. |
| 7. | (in a margin account) the excess of the market value of the securities over any indebtedness. |
| 8. | (initial capital letter ) Actors' Equity Association. |
In real estate, the financial value of someone's property over and above the amount the person owes on mortgages. For example, if you buy a house for $100,000, paying $20,000 down and borrowing $80,000, your equity in the house is $20,000. As you pay off the principal of the loan, your equity will rise.
equity
In a brokerage account, the market value of securities minus the amount borrowed. Equity is particularly important for margin accounts, for which minimum standards must be met.
Stock, both common and preferred. For example, an investor may prefer investing in equities instead of in bonds. Also called equity security.
In accounting, funds contributed by stockholders through direct payment and through retained earnings. See also owners' equity.