n. 1. Mathematics A quantity to be divided. 2. a. A share of profits paid to a stockholder or to a policyholder in a mutual insurance society. b. A payment pro rata to a creditor of a person adjudged bankrupt. 3. a. A share of a surplus; a bonus. b. An unexpected gain, benefit, or advantage. [Alteration (influenced by French dividende) of Middle English divident, from Latin dīvidēns, dīvident-, present participle of dīvidere, to divide; see DIVIDE.] |
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