stock
UK: stɒk | US: stɑːk
n. a supply of goods or materials kept on hand for sale or use
n. the capital raised by a company through the issuance of shares
n. the trunk or main stem of a tree or plant
vt. to supply or furnish with goods or materials
adj. commonly used or kept in reserve (e.g., "stock phrase")
The word "stock" traces back to Old English stocc, meaning "stump, post, or trunk of a tree." This evolved to signify a foundational supply (like the "trunk" of resources) and later expanded to financial shares (rooted in the idea of a "base" or "capital reserve"). The semantic progression reflects how physical foundations metaphorically underpin abstract concepts like inventory or investments.
The store keeps a large stock of winter coats.
She invested in tech stocks for long-term growth.
The gardener grafted a branch onto the apple tree’s stock.
The chef stocked the pantry with fresh ingredients.
His reply was a stock answer, lacking originality.