n.1 a a useful or valuable quality. b a person or thing possessing such a quality or qualities (is an asset to the firm).
2 (usu. in pl.) a property and possessions, esp. regarded as having value in meeting debts, commitments, etc. b any possession having value.
Phrases and idioms:
asset-stripping Commerce the practice of taking over a company and selling off its assets to make a profit.
Etymology: assets (taken as pl.), f. AF asetz f. OF asez enough, ult. f. L ad to + satis enough