underwriter
underwriter Lexical Profile
underwriter Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person or financial institution that evaluates and assumes another party's risk for a fee, especially in insurance, mortgage lending, or the issuance of investment securities.
"The mortgage underwriter carefully reviewed the applicant's credit history and tax returns before approving the home loan."
An individual, corporation, or foundation that provides financial support for an activity, public broadcast, or cultural event.
"The museum's new exhibition was made possible through the generous support of a corporate underwriter."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 17th century from the verb 'underwrite,' the term originally referred to marine insurers in London coffeehouses who literally wrote their names and the portion of financial risk they were willing to assume beneath the details of a ship's cargo policy.