Definition of Account

Noun: account u'kawnt

A record or narrative description of past events
"he gave an inaccurate account of the plot to kill the president";
- history, chronicle, story
A short account of the news
"the account of his speech that was given on the evening news made the governor furious";
- report, news report, story, write up
A formal contractual relationship established to provide for regular banking, brokerage or business services
"he asked to see the executive who handled his account";
- business relationship
A statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure, operation or circumstances etc.
"I expected a brief account";
- explanation
Grounds
"don't do it on my account"; "the paper was rejected on account of its length";
- score
Importance or value
"a person of considerable account"; "he predicted that although it is of small account now it will rapidly increase in importance"
A statement of recent transactions and the resulting balance
"they send me an account every month";
- accounting, account statement
The act of informing by verbal report
"by all accounts they were a happy couple";
- report
An itemized statement of money owed for goods shipped or services rendered
"send me an account of what I owe";
- bill, invoice
The quality of taking advantage
"she turned her writing skills to good account"
The justification for some act or belief
- defense [US], defence [Brit, Cdn], vindication

Verb: account u'kawnt

Be the sole or primary factor in the existence, acquisition, supply, or disposal of something
"Passing grades account for half of the grades given in this exam"
Keep an account of
- calculate
To give an account or representation of in words
- report, describe
Furnish a justifying analysis or explanation
"I can't account for the missing money";
- answer for