prospectus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a formal written offer to sell securities (filed with the SEC) that sets forth a plan for a (proposed) business enterprise
    • a prospectus should contain the facts that an investor needs to make an informed decision
  2. noun a catalog listing the courses offered by a college or university
    course catalog; course catalogue.

WordNet

Pro*spec"tus noun
Etymology
L., a prospect, sight, view: cf. F. prospectus. See Prospect.
Definitions
  1. A summary, plan, or scheme of something proposed, affording a prospect of its nature; especially, an exposition of the scheme of an unpublished literary work.

Webster 1913