Deposito

Depósito is a term used in several Romance languages to denote an act of placing something in safekeeping or a place where things are kept. Depending on context, it can refer to money, goods, or natural accumulations of minerals. In finance, a depósito refers to money placed with a bank or financial institution for safekeeping, often with the possibility of earning interest. Deposits can be withdrawn on demand or after a fixed term, and are typically subject to regulation and, in many places, deposit insurance. Common categories include demand deposits, savings deposits, and time deposits (such as certificates of deposit in some countries).

A depósito can also denote a security deposit or down payment given as evidence of commitment or as protection against potential breaches of contract, such as rent payments or service agreements. This type is usually refundable at the end of the contract, subject to deductions for damage or unpaid charges as provided by the agreement.

In logistics and commerce, a depósito refers to a storage facility or warehouse where goods are kept before distribution or sale. Depósitos can be public or private and may include inventory control, handling services, and, in some cases, bonded storage for goods under customs control.

In geology and mining, a mineral or ore depósito is a natural concentration of valuable minerals that may be economically extractable. Exploration assesses the extent, grade, and feasibility of mining, informing reserve estimates and development plans.

Other uses include legal and administrative meanings, such as depósito legal (the legal deposit of publications for archiving) and judicial deposits in court procedures, depending on the jurisdiction.