credit-card

UK: ˈkrɛdɪt kɑːd | US: ˈkrɛdɪt kɑːrd

Definition

  1. n. a plastic card issued by a bank or business, allowing the holder to purchase goods or services on credit.

Structure
credit <trust, from Latin "creditum">card <flat piece of material, from Greek "khartēs">
Etymology

The word "credit" originates from Latin "creditum," meaning "something entrusted to another," reflecting the trust-based nature of financial transactions. "Card" derives from Greek "khartēs," referring to papyrus or paper, later evolving to denote flat, stiff objects like playing cards or identification cards. Combined, "credit-card" emerged in the 20th century to describe a payment tool embodying trust (credit) and physical form (card).

Examples

  1. She paid for the groceries with her credit-card.

  2. Always check your credit-card statement for unauthorized charges.

  3. The hotel requires a credit-card for reservations.

  4. He applied for a new credit-card with better rewards.

  5. Lost credit-cards should be reported immediately to prevent fraud.