exchange

exchange [eks chānj′, ikschānj′]

vt.

exchanged, exchanging [ME eschaungen < OFr eschangier < VL * excambiare: see EX-¹ & CHANGE]

1.

a) to give, hand over, or transfer (for another thing in return)

b) to receive or give another thing for (something returned)

2. to give and receive (equivalent or similar things); interchange [to exchange gifts]

3. to give up for a substitute or alternative [to exchange honor for wealth]

vi.

1. to make an exchange; barter; trade

2. Finance to pass in exchange [currency that exchanges at par]

n.

1. a giving or taking of one thing for another; trade; barter

2. a giving to one another of similar things [an exchange of greetings]

3. the substituting of one thing for another [an exchange of tears for smiles]

4. a thing given or received in exchange

5. a place for exchanging; esp., a place where trade is carried on in securities or commodities by brokers, merchants, etc. [a stock exchange ]

☆ 6. a central office, or a system operated by it, providing telephone communication in a community or in part of a city

7. Commerce Finance

a) the payment of debts by negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, without actual transfer of money

b) a bill of exchange

c) a fee paid for settling accounts or collecting a draft, bill of exchange, etc.

d) an exchanging of a sum of money of one country or of a depreciated issue for the equivalent in the money of another country or of a current issue

e) EXCHANGE RATE

f) difference in value between currencies

g) [pl.] the checks, drafts, etc. presented to a clearinghouse for exchange and settlement

adj.

1. exchanged; interchanged

2. having to do with an exchange [an exchange broker]

exchangeability

n.

exchangeable

adj.

exchanger

n.