enterprise

Etymology

From Old French via Middle English and Middle French entreprise, feminine past participle of entreprendre (“to undertake”), from entre (“in between”) + prendre (“to take”), from Latin inter + prehendō, see prehensile.

noun

1. A company, business, organization, or other purposeful endeavor.
   The government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) are a group of financial services corporations which have been created by the United States Congress.
   A micro-enterprise is defined as a company or business having 5 or fewer employees and a low seed capital.
2. An undertaking, venture, or project, especially a daring and courageous one.
   Biosphere 2 was a scientific enterprise aimed at the exploration of the complex web of interactions within life systems.
3. (uncountable) A willingness to undertake new or risky projects; energy and initiative.
   He has shown great enterprise throughout his early career.
   This loss of interest, hair, and enterprise — / Ah, if the game were poker, yes, / You might discard them, draw a full house! / But it's chess. 1954, Philip Larkin, Continuing to Live
4. (uncountable) Active participation in projects.

verb

1. (intransitive) To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.
2. (transitive) To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.
   The business must be enterprised this night. 1670, John Dryden, The Conquest of Granada
   c. 1680, Thomas Otway, letter to Elizabeth Barry What would I not renounce or enterprise for you!
3. (transitive) To treat with hospitality; to entertain.