intangible

in·tan·gi·ble

adjective

The definition of intangible is something with no physical presence that can't be touched, or is something that is vague and difficult to understand or value in concrete terms.

Intellectual property laws that protect a copyright are an example of laws that protect an intangible right.
The reputation of a business has value but is an example of an intangible asset.

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MLA Style

"intangible." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 21 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Intangible>.

APA Style

intangible. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21st, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Intangible

intangible

that cannot be touched; incorporeal; impalpable
designating or of any of certain business assets, esp. goodwill, that have no material being but have monetary value
that cannot be easily defined, formulated, or grasped; vague

Origin of intangible

Medieval Latin intangibilis: see in- and tangible

something intangible; specif., a quality, as of character, that is desirable but cannot be measured: often used in pl.: the rookie quarterback displays leadership and is unruffled—intangibles necessary for success

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"intangible." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 21 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Intangible>.

APA Style

intangible. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21st, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Intangible

intangible

adjective

Incapable of being perceived by the senses.
Incapable of being realized or defined.
Incorporeal.

noun

Something intangible: The athlete owed his success not only to strength and speed but also to intangibles such as perseverance and dedication.
often intangibles
a. An asset that cannot be perceived by the senses, such as intellectual property or goodwill.
b. Law Incorporeal property such as bank deposits, stocks, bonds, and promissory notes: a state tax on intangibles.

Related Forms:

in·tan′gi·bil′i·ty in·tan′gi·ble·ness
noun

in·tan′gi·bly
adverb

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.