n.
Pronunciation: ' äp-sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Latin option-, optio free choice; akin to Latin optare to choose
Date: 1593
1 : an act of choosing
2 a : the power or right to choose : freedom of choice b : a privilege of demanding fulfillment of a contract on any day within a specified time c : a contract conveying a right to buy or sell designated securities, commodities, or property interest at a specified price during a stipulated period also : the right conveyed by an option d : a right of an insured person to choose the form in which payments due on a policy shall be made or applied
3 : something that may be chosen: as a : an alternative course of action <didn't have many option s open> b : an item that is offered in addition to or in place of standard equipment
4 : an offensive football play in which a back may choose whether to pass or run with the ball ― called also option play
synonyms see CHOICE