— enterpriseless , adj.
/en"teuhr pruyz'/ , n.
1. a project undertaken or to be undertaken, esp. one that is important or difficult or that requires boldness or energy: To keep the peace is a difficult enterprise.
2. a plan for such a project.
3. participation or engagement in such projects: Our country was formed by the enterprise of resolute men and women.
4. boldness or readiness in undertaking; adventurous spirit; ingenuity.
5. a company organized for commercial purposes; business firm.
6. ( cap. ) Mil. the first nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1961, with a displacement of 89,000 tons (80,723 m ton) and eight reactors.
7. ( cap., italics ) U.S. Aerospace. the first space shuttle, used for atmospheric flight and landing tests.
[ 1400-50; late ME entrepris (ptp. of entreprendre to undertake) inter- INTER- + prensus grasped, seized, contr. of prehensus, equiv. to pre- PRE- + hend- take hold of + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 1. plan, undertaking, venture. 4. drive, aggressiveness, push, ambition.