noun

auction

auction, public sale

The painting was sold at auction.

The painting was sold at auction.

They are holding an auction to raise money.

They are holding an auction to raise money.

((at an auction)) at a public sale where goods are sold to the highest bidder The painting was sold at auction.

Synonyms: sale, bidding

From Latin 'auctio' (an increase), from 'augere' (to increase), referring to the rising price.

Imagine the price 'increasing' (the Latin root) with every bid.

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