monopolies

Variant of monopoly

monopoly definition

mo·nopo·ly (mə näp′ə lē)

noun pl. monopolies -·lies

  1. 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
  2. an exclusive privilege of engaging in a particular business or providing a service, granted by a ruler or by the state
  3. exclusive possession or control of something
  4. something that is held or controlled as a monopoly
  5. 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 penas, 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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