I. ə̇nˈves(t)mənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: invest (I) + -ment
1.
a. archaic : vestment
b. : an outer layer of any kind : coating , envelope : as
(1) : an outward habiliment : guise
one man asserts his right to grow a beard … as the investment of his motley — Times Literary Supplement
(2) : an external covering of a cell, part, or organism
(3) : a layer of heat-resistant material in which a dental appliance (as a bridge or inlay) is cast or in which it is embedded before soldering
(4) : refractory material that forms the mold in investment casting
2. : investiture 1
investment with the ring has been an integral part of each coronation — Literary Digest
3. : blockade , siege
his proposals for an attack on Montreal … and a complete investment of Quebec by land and sea — J.B.Brebner
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: invest (II) + -ment
1.
a. : an expenditure of money for income or profit or to purchase something of intrinsic value : capital outlay
investment in common stocks
investment in a diamond brooch
b. : the sum invested or the property purchased
has a large investment in a copper mine
a fine painting is an investment
2. : the commitment of funds with a view to minimizing risk and safeguarding capital while earning a return — contrasted with speculation
3. : the commitment of something other than money to a long-term interest or project
the job calls for the investment of a great deal of hard thinking and planning — D.F.Cavers