Database (IT) – a collection of information stored in a computer and organised in categories to facilitate retrieval and analysis.

Debenture – a fixed interest investment in a company, which has priority for interest payments, generally redeemable after the lapse of a specified time.

Debit – a bookeeping entry representing a gain to assets, owner’s equity or expense account.

Debt – that which is owed. If you borrow money, buy something on credit or receive more money on an account than is owed, you have a “debt”.

Debt capital – money from external sources used to finance a business. See also equity capital.

Debtor – a person or business who owes the business money

Default – to fail to meet an obligation when due, such as paying a debt.

Demand – an order to comply with an obligation. In business, paying on "demand" means that the obligation must be satisfied when it is due under a contract.

Depreciation expense – gradual reduction of the value of a fixed asset and gradual application of this cost to the expenses of a business over the useful life of the asset.

Depreciation schedule – a schedule showing depreciable assets, the date of purchase, its cost, the percentage by which it is depreciated each year and written down current value.

Direct costs – the costs incurred, in addition to fixed costs, as a result of manufacturing a product or providing a service. Direct costs are made up of direct material, direct labour and direct manufacturing or servicing costs.

Director (company) – an individual who is elected by shareholders or members to oversee the strategy of the business.

Director’s guarantee – a personal guarantee given by a director of a company that she/he will be personally liable for a debt or other liability of the company. Usually requested in credit applications, leases, loans and hire purchase agreements.

Disbursements – funds paid by a business in settlement of purchases.

Discount – a deduction made from the normal cost or purchase price.

Dishonoured – the word used to describe a cheque, which the bank will not pay, because the customer’s account lacks sufficient funds.

Diversification – the process of producing a number of different products or investing in a number of different areas in order to reduce exposure to risk and/or increase exposure to opportunities.

Dividend – a distribution of the profits of a company among its members or shareholders.

Domain name (IT) – the unique name, often called the “internet address” or “web address” or “URL”, which identifies an internet site. Domain names always have two or more parts separated by dots. Companies who own their own domain name (as distinct from a sub-domain name) have the advantage of more direct, speedier communications via the internet and are not dependent on the services of a third party.

Drawer – the person who writes a cheque in payment for goods or services.

Drawings – withdrawals of assets (usually cash) from a business by a sole proprietor or a partner. Drawings are recorded in a loan account with the individual.

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