Depósit

Depósit, often written depòsit in Catalan, is a term that describes several related notions centered on placing or holding something in a specific place. In general use, it denotes the act of placing an item somewhere or the item that has been placed. The word is widely used in finance, law, geology, and everyday language, with meanings that vary by context but share the core idea of placement or storage.

In finance, a depósit refers to money placed with a financial institution for safekeeping or to earn interest. This includes bank deposits, such as checking or savings accounts, as well as time deposits or certificates of deposit. The terms, conditions, interest rates, and withdrawal rights depend on the jurisdiction and the specific account type.

In legal and rental contexts, a depósit commonly means a security deposit. This is money held by a party, typically a landlord or service provider, as guarantee against damages, nonpayment, or breach of contract, to be returned when requirements are met.

In geology and mining, a depósit denotes a natural accumulation of minerals or ore found in the earth. Deposit types include ore deposits, placer deposits, and sedimentary or hydrothermal deposits, each formed by different geological processes and having varying economic value.

As a verb, depósit also means to place or set down an object, or to deposit materials in a designated location. The term thus spans practical, legal, financial, and scientific uses.