Commodity
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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A commodity is something that can be relatively easily traded, be physically delivered and be stored for a reasonable period of time. Characteristic of commodities is that their prices are determined on the basis of an active market, rather than by the supplier (or other seller) on a "cost-plus" basis. Examples of commodities include minerals and agricultural products such as iron ore, crude oil, ethanol, sugar, coffee, aluminium, rice, wheat, gold, diamonds and silver, and also so-called "commoditized" products such as personal computers.
Linguistically, the word commodity came into use in English in the 15th century, derived from the French word "commodité", meaning today's (2000) "convenience" in term of quality of services. The Latin root meaning is commoditas, referring variously to the appropriate measure of something; a fitting state, time or condition; a good quality; efficaciousness or propriety; and advantage, or benefit. The German equivalent is die Ware, i.e. wares or goods offered for sale. The French equivalent is "produit de base" like energy, goods, or industrial raw materials.