/ pɔːtˈfəʊliəʊ; NAmE pɔːrtˈfoʊlioʊ/ noun ( pl. -os )
1.
a thin flat case used for carrying documents, drawings, etc.
2.
a collection of photographs, drawings, etc. that you use as an example of your work, especially when applying for a job
3.
( finance ) a set of shares owned by a particular person or organization :
an investment / share portfolio
4.
( formal , especially BrE ) the particular area of responsibility of a government minister :
the defence portfolio
She resigned her portfolio.
He was asked to join as a minister without portfolio (= one without responsibility for a particular government department).
5.
the range of products or services offered by a particular company or organization :
a portfolio of wines
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WORD ORIGIN
early 18th cent.: from Italian portafogli , from portare carry + foglio leaf (from Latin folium ).