stock

In botany, any of a group of herbaceous plants commonly grown as garden ornamentals. Many cultivated varieties, including simple-stemmed, queen's, and ten-week stocks, have been derived from the wild stock (M. incana); night-scented (or evening) stock (M. bicornis) becomes aromatic at night. (Genus Matthiola, family Cruciferae.)

stock

In the US, each share of stock represents proportional ownership in a corporation. Once offered by a corporation going public, stock can be bought and sold on a stock exchange, but the corporation has no obligation to buy it back. Sold to raise capital, stock gives the holder specified rights, including the right to examine the books and the right to vote for the directors. Dividends can be paid, in cash or in stock, when the corporation declares a profit.

stock

Materials, unfinished goods, or work-in-progress, and finished goods that businesses hold. They need to hold materials and unfinished goods because they are needed for production. Finished goods are held until sold. Companies usually try to keep the value of their stock as low as possible, while still being able to make enough finished goods to supply their markets on time.

stock

Liquid used as a base for soups, stews, or sauces. White stock is made from poultry or veal, and vegetables boiled together in water. Brown stock is made from red meat or bones, and vegetables, browned in fat before being boiled in water.