depreciation

[ dih-pree-shee-ey-shuh n ]
/ dɪˌpri ʃiˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

decrease in value due to wear and tear, decay, decline in price, etc.
such a decrease as allowed in computing the value of property for tax purposes.
a decrease in the purchasing or exchange value of money.
a lowering in estimation.

Origin of depreciation

An Americanism dating back to 1730–40; depreciate + -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM depreciation

non·de·pre·ci·a·tion, noun pre·de·pre·ci·a·tion, noun re·de·pre·ci·a·tion, noun un·der·de·pre·ci·a·tion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for depreciation

British Dictionary definitions for depreciation

depreciation
/ (dɪˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃən) /

noun

accounting
  1. the reduction in value of a fixed asset due to use, obsolescence, etc
  2. the amount deducted from gross profit to allow for such reduction in value
accounting a modified amount permitted for purposes of tax deduction
the act or an instance of depreciating or belittling; disparagement
a decrease in the exchange value of currency against gold or other currencies brought about by excess supply of that currency under conditions of fluctuating exchange rates Compare devaluation (def. 1)

Cultural definitions for depreciation

depreciation
[ (di-pree-shee-ay-shuhn) ]

A decline over time in the value of a tangible asset, such as a house or car.