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"Options"

By Kimberly Amadeo, About.com

Definition: A derivative that gives the owner the right to buy or sell stock at an agreed upon price within a certain period of time. The right to buy is called a Call Option, and the right to sell is called a Put Option.

Also Known As: stock options, futures options, call option, put option, call, put

Examples: Hedge funds use options to buy and sell stock or commodities without ever actually owning any.

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