WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Con`tri*bu"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. contributio: cf. F. contribution.]
Definition : 1. The act of contributing.

2. That which is contributed; -- either the portion which an individual furnishes to the common stock, or the whole which is formed by the gifts of individuals. A certain contribution for the poor saints which are at jerusalem. Rom. xv. 26. Aristotle's actual contributions to the physical sciences. Whewell.

3. (Mil.)

Defn: An irregular and arbitrary imposition or tax leved on the people of a town or country. These sums, . . . and the forced contributions paid by luckless peasants, enabled him to keep his straggling troops together. Motley.

4. (Law)

Defn: Payment, by each of several jointly liable, of a share in a loss suffered or an amount paid by one of their number for the common benefit.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913