(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ is the part of a company’s profits which is paid to people who have shares in the company. (BUSINESS)
The first quarter ~ has been increased by nearly 4 per cent.
N-COUNT
2.
If something pays ~s, it brings advantages at a later date.
Steps taken now to maximise your health will pay ~s later on.
PHRASE: V inflects
3.
see also peace ~