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mercantilism
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As a noun, mercantilism means the theory that holds that the prosperity of a nation depends upon its supply of capital, and that the global volume of trade is unchangeable.
Meanings of mercantilism
4 meaningsnoun
economicsThe theory that holds that the prosperity of a nation depends upon its supply of capital, and that the global volume of trade is unchangeable.
An economic system (Europe in 18th century) to increase a nation's wealth by government regulation of all of the nation's commercial interests
Similar: mercantile systemTransactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)
Similar: commerce, commercialism
Older and rare meanings (1)
historicaleconomicsThe theory that a nation must always have a positive balance of trade, in the manner that a merchant would operate a shop. Typically this model presupposes protectionism.
Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).