floor
noun
uk/flɔːr/ us ECONOMICS
the lowest level, number, or amount something is allowed to reach:
provide/keep/put a floor under sth Theoretically, buybacks put a floor under stock prices and raise earnings per share.
find/reach a floor Analysts believe the market has found a floor at about 2,560 points.
raise the floor on sth Another rule would raise the floor on the amount of assets a company must have to register with the SEC.
Many of these fixed-price contracts were signed when the price of coal was on the floor.
Compare
ceiling
FINANCE, MONEY
the lowest rate a country's government will allow its currency to reach in relation to other currencies:
The euro finally seems to have hit the floor against the dollar.
the floor
MEETINGS
the place where a formal or public meeting is held, or the people at the meeting:
On the floor yesterday, House members voted down an amendment to allow fines to be waived.
In response to a question from the floor the CEO confirmed the agency would be continuing its mentor scheme.
the Senate/House/Security Council floor In his remarks on the Security Council floor today, the Commissioner called on all parties to act responsibly.
floor debate/vote During floor debate, conservatives argued that the bill violated First Amendment rights.
STOCK MARKET
the part of a stock exchange where shares are traded:
Traders erupted into boisterous cheers on the floor today as the market soared.
drop/fall/go through the floor
to decrease in price or value, usually in a short period of time:
Sales and profits are falling through the floor, with no prospect of a recovery in sight.
have/take the floor
MEETINGS
to have the right to speak or to start to speak in a meeting:
Excuse me, I have the floor and have the right to be listened to.
get in on the ground floor UK informal ( US also get in on the first floor)
to become involved from the beginning in a business activity that you think will be successful:
This is our chance to get in on the first floor of an industry that's going to be big.
See also
dealing floor
factory floor
the shop floor
trading floor