n.1 an undertaking, esp. a bold or difficult one.
2 (as a personal attribute) readiness to engage in such undertakings (has no enterprise).
3 a business firm.
Phrases and idioms:
enterprise zone Brit. a depressed (usu. urban) area where State incentives such as tax concessions are designed to encourage investment.
Derivatives:
enterpriser n.
Etymology: ME f. OF entreprise fem. past part. of entreprendre var. of emprendre ult. f. L prendere, prehendere take