bond

plural bonds

1. countableuncountablelawA document constituting evidence of a long-term debt, by which the bond issuer (the borrower) is obliged to pay interest when due, and repay the principal at maturity, as specified on the face of the bond certificate. The rights of the holder are specified in the bond indenture, which contains the legal terms and conditions under which the bond was issued. Bonds are available in two forms: registered bonds, and bearer bonds.
2. countableuncountablebusinessA documentary obligation to pay a sum or to perform a contract; a debenture.

   Many say that government and corporate bonds are a good investment to balance against a portfolio consisting primarily of stocks.

   1 more example

   Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return.

3. countableuncountableA partial payment made to show a provider that the customer is sincere about buying a product or a service. If the product or service is not purchased the customer then forfeits the bond.
4. countablein pluraloftenuncountableA physical connection which binds, a band.

   The prisoner was brought before the tribunal in iron bonds.

5. countableuncountableAn emotional link, connection or union; that which holds two or more people together, as in a friendship; a tie.

   They had grown up as friends and neighbors, and not even vastly differing political views could break the bond of their friendship.

   2 more examples

   1792, Edmund Burke, a letter to Sir Hercules Langrishe on the subject of the Roman Catholics of Ireland a people with whom I have no tie but the common bond of mankind.

   Between us there was, as I have already said somewhere, the bond of the sea.

   1899 February, Joseph Conrad, “The Heart of Darkness”, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, volume CLXV, number M, New York, N.Y.: The Leonard Scott Publishing Company, […], →OCLC, part I, page 193

6. countableuncountableMoral or political duty or obligation.

   I love your majesty / According to my bond, nor more nor less.

   c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]

7. countableuncountablechemistryA link or force between neighbouring atoms in a molecule.

   Organic chemistry primarily consists of the study of carbon bonds, in their many variations.

8. countableuncountableA binding agreement, a covenant.

   You could rely on him. His word was his bond.

   1 more example

   Herbert resented his wife for subjecting him to the bonds of matrimony; he claimed they had gotten married while drunk.

9. uncountableThe state of being stored in a bonded warehouse

   liquor bottled in bond

10. countableuncountablelawA bail bond.

    The bailiff released the prisoner as soon as the bond was posted.

    1 more example

    Ellison, who is out on bond, also faces the prospect of lengthy imprisonment. Her lawyers did not comment.

    2023 September 30, Victoria Bekiempis, “‘Dark’ donations, free love and the fall: the Sam Bankman-Fried trial is here”, in The Guardian, →ISSN

11. countableuncountableby ellipsisBond paper.
12. countableuncountableAny constraining or cementing force or material.

    A bond of superglue adhered the teacups to the ceiling, much to the consternation of the cafe owners.

13. countableuncountablebusinessIn building, a specific pattern of bricklaying, based on overlapping rows or layers to give strength.

    Synonyms: bondwork

14. ScotlandcountableuncountableA mortgage.
15. countableuncountablerailwaysA heavy copper wire or rod connecting adjacent rails of an electric railway track when used as a part of the electric circuit.

present singular third person bonds · participle present bonding · participle past bonded · past bonded

1. transitiveTo connect, secure or tie with a bond; to bind.

   The gargantuan ape was bonded in iron chains and carted onto the stage.

2. transitiveTo cause to adhere (one material with another).

   The children bonded their snapshots to the scrapbook pages with mucilage.

   Synonyms: cling

3. transitivechemistryTo form a chemical compound with.

   Under unusual conditions, even gold can be made to bond with other elements.

4. transitiveTo guarantee or secure a financial risk.

   The contractor was bonded with a local underwriter.

   1 more example

   The existence of such [criminal] records can and has been a barrier to men who wish to obtain a job that requires bonding (such as working in a bank).

   1979 April 7, David Brill, “BPL Arrests: A Year Later”, in Gay Community News, page 1

5. To form a friendship or emotional connection.

   The men had bonded while serving together in Vietnam.

6. transitiveTo put in a bonded warehouse; to secure (goods) until the associated duties are paid.
7. transitivebusinessTo lay bricks in a specific pattern.
8. transitivebusinessTo make a reliable electrical connection between two conductors (or any pieces of metal that may potentially become conductors).

   A house's distribution panel should always be bonded to the grounding rods via a panel bond.

plural bonds

1. A peasant; churl.
2. A vassal; serf; one held in bondage to a superior.

comparative more bond · superlative most bond

1. Subject to the tenure called bondage.
2. In a state of servitude or slavedom; not free.
3. Servile; slavish; pertaining to or befitting a slave.

   bond fear

plural Bonds

1. countableuncountableA surname originating as an occupation.
2. countableuncountableA unisex given name from Old Norse.
3. countableuncountableAn unincorporated community in Eagle County, Colorado, United States.
4. countableuncountableA census-designated place and unincorporated community in Stone County, Mississippi, United States.
5. countableuncountableAn unincorporated community in Hickman County, Tennessee, United States.