1. The total quantity accumulated at a point in time. This is contrasted to a flow, which refers to the change in the stock over a given period. For example, the quantity of capital is a stock while investment is a flow.
2. A synonym for stocks, a collection of goods held by an enterprise. Stock appreciation is an increase in the value of stocks held due to price changes. A stockpile is a large holding of commodities, held, for example, by a government as a strategic reserve. See also buffer stock; investment in stocks and work in progress.
3. A synonym for share. Common stock is the US term for ordinary share. Government stock is government debt instruments. See also alpha stocks; beta stocks; common stock; gamma stocks; over-the-counter market.