collateral

col-lat-er-al · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan.

  2. 2.

    Additional but subordinate; secondary.

  3. 3.

    Descended from the same ancestor but through a different line.

Forms

plural: collaterals

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    collateral damage — unintended damage or casualties
  • •
    put up collateral — provide security for a loan
  • •
    collateral benefit — secondary advantage

Related words

See also: guarantee, loan, security
Synonyms: guarantee, pledge, security

Etymology

From medieval Latin collateralis meaning "side by side," from Latin com- ("together") and latus ("side").