What does STOCK mean?

noun

1. the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity)“he owns a controlling share of the company's stock”
2. the merchandise that a shop has on hand“they carried a vast inventory of hardware”
3. the handle of a handgun or the butt end of a rifle or shotgun or part of the support of a machine gun or artillery gun“the rifle had been fitted with a special stock”
4. a certificate documenting the shareholder's ownership in the corporation“the value of his stocks doubled during the past year”
5. a supply of something available for future use“he brought back a large store of Cuban cigars”
6. the descendants of one individual“his entire lineage has been warriors”
7. a special variety of domesticated animals within a species“he experimented on a particular breed of white rats”
8. liquid in which meat and vegetables are simmered; used as a basis for e.g. soups or sauces“she made gravy with a base of beef stock”