Enterprise

[en-ter-prahyz] /ˈɛn tərˌpraɪz/

noun
1.
a project undertaken or to be undertaken, especially 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.
(initial capital letter) Military. the first nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1961, with a displacement of 89,000 tons (80,723 metric tons) and eight reactors.
7.
(initial capital letter, italics) U.S. Aerospace. the first space shuttle, used for atmospheric flight and landing tests.
[en-ter-prahyz] /ˈɛn tərˌpraɪz/
noun
1.
a city in S Alabama.
/ˈɛntəˌpraɪz/
noun
1.
a project or undertaking, esp one that requires boldness or effort
2.
participation in such projects
3.
readiness to embark on new ventures; boldness and energy
4.

5.
a business unit; a company or firm
n.

early 15c., “an undertaking,” from Old French enterprise “an undertaking,” noun use of fem. past participle of entreprendre “undertake, take in hand,” from entre- “between” (see entre-) + prendre “to take,” contraction of prehendere (see prehensile). Abstract sense of “readiness to undertake challenges, spirit of daring” is from late 15c.

body
A business, generally a large one.
(1994-11-22)
see: free enterprise