stocks
n.-
1 financial shares (n.) B2 Upper Intermediateshares in the ownership of a company that can be bought and sold.
shares of ownership in a corporation, representing a claim on part of the corporation's assets and earnings.
ExampleHe decided to invest his savings in stocks and bonds for long-term growth.
ExampleThe sudden volatility in tech stocks caused widespread concern among institutional investors who had previously predicted a stable quarter.
UsageUsually plural when referring to the market in general.
- shares
- equities
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2 historical punishment (n.) C1 Advanced Archaica wooden frame with holes for feet and hands, used long ago to punish people in public.
a wooden apparatus with holes for the feet and sometimes hands, formerly used for public exposure and punishment of offenders.
ExampleIn the old days, people were sometimes put in the stocks for minor crimes.
ExampleThe village green still features a replica of the medieval stocks, serving as a grim reminder of historical judicial practices.
UsageAlways plural in this sense.
- pillory
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3 shipbuilding frame (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencethe wooden or metal frame that supports a ship while it is being built.
the framework or timbers on which a ship rests while being constructed or repaired.
ExampleThe massive hull of the new cargo ship sat firmly on the stocks.
ExampleThe vessel remained on the stocks for eighteen months before the hull was deemed seaworthy enough for the official launch ceremony.
UsageUsually plural in a nautical context.