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Webster's New World College Dictionary » monopolies
monopolies
Variant of monopoly
monopoly
definition
mo·nopo·ly (mə näp′ə lē)
noun pl. monopolies -·lies
- exclusive control of a commodity or service in a given market, or control that makes possible the fixing of prices and the virtual elimination of free competition
- an exclusive privilege of engaging in a particular business or providing a service, granted by a ruler or by the state
- exclusive possession or control of something
- something that is held or controlled as a monopoly
- a company or combination that has a monopoly
Etymology: L monopolium < Gr monopōlion, right of exclusive sale, monopōlia, exclusive sale < monos, single (see mono-) + pōlein, to sell < IE base *pel- > Lith penas, wages
a game played on a special board by two or more players: they move according to the throw of dice, engaging in mock real estate transactions with play money
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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