What is a unit of ownership in a corporation called?

A unit of ownership in a corporation is referred to as a share of stock. When an individual purchases a share, they effectively acquire a small portion of the company, granting them certain rights, including the right to vote at shareholder meetings and to receive dividends if the company declares them. Shares represent ownership in the corporation, and they can be traded on stock exchanges, providing liquidity to investors.

The other terms do not represent ownership in a corporation. A bond is a debt instrument used by companies and governments to raise capital, where the issuer owes the bondholder a debt and must pay back the principal along with interest. A debenture is a type of bond that is unsecured by collateral, also indicating a creditor relationship rather than ownership. Equity refers broadly to ownership, but the specific term for the unit of ownership in a corporation is a share of stock. Thus, the specific and accurate term for a unit of ownership is indeed a share of stock.