endowment

/ɪnˈdaʊmənt/
noun
  1. A large amount of money or property that is given to a person or organization to provide a steady income, often for a specific purpose like education or research.
    • She left a generous endowment to the local animal shelter in her will.
    • The college used its endowment to build a new science center.
    • The hospital's endowment helps cover the cost of care for patients who cannot pay.
  2. A natural ability, quality, or talent that someone is born with.
    • Her natural endowment for music was clear from a very young age.
    • He had a remarkable intellectual endowment that made him a brilliant scientist.
    • Physical endowment alone does not guarantee success in sports; hard work matters too.
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