term:

Investment

investment n

: investiture
n 1 : the outlay of money usually for income or profit
: capital outlay
;also
: the sum invested or the property purchased
2 : the commitment of funds with a view to minimizing risk and safeguarding capital while earning a return compare speculation

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.