equity

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɛkwɪti/

noun (plural equities)

[mass noun]
  • 1the quality of being fair and impartial: equity of treatment
  • Law a branch of law that developed alongside common law and is concerned with fairness and justice, formerly administered in special courts: if there is any conflict between the principles of common law and equity, equity prevails
  • 2the value of the shares issued by a company: he owns 62% of the group’s equity
  • (equities) stocks and shares that carry no fixed interest: trading in equities is governed by market rules
  • 3the value of a mortgaged property after deduction of charges against it: people who have built up a significant amount of equity in their homes
  • 4 (Equity) (in the UK, US, and several other countries) a trade union to which all professional actors must belong: [as modifier]: an Equity card

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French equité, from Latin aequitas, from aequus 'equal'