Cartel

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /kɑːˈtÉ›l/
• US IPA: /kɑɹˈtÉ›l/
• Rhymes: -É›l

Origin

From French cartel, from Italian cartello, diminutive of carta ("card, page"), from Latin charta.

Full definition of cartel

Noun

1. A group of businesses or nations that collude to limit competition within an industry or market.
2. A combination of political groups (notably parties) for common action.
3. A written letter of defiance or challenge.
• Sir Walter ScottHe is cowed at the very idea of a cartel.
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, Folio Society 2006, p. 22:Xerxes whipped the Sea, and writ a cartell of defiance to the hill Athos.
4. An official agreement concerning the exchange of prisoners.
5. (nautical) A ship used to negotiate with an enemy in time of war, and to exchange prisoners.

Related terms

• cartelize
• cartelization

Anagrams

• arclet, Claret, claret, rectal