invoice
UK[ˈɪnvɔɪs]US[ˈɪnvɔɪs]
n
a list of goods sent or services provided, with a statement of the sum due for these; a bill.
v
send an invoice to (someone) or for (something).
Morpheme Breakdown
in
voice
in
in, upon
voice
voice, word, document
Etymology
the word 'invoice' entered english in the mid-16th century from the french term 'envois', the plural of 'envoi' meaning 'a sending, dispatch'. this french word derived from the verb 'envoyer' (to send), which itself came from late latin 'inviare', meaning 'to send on one's way'. the latin components are 'in-' (upon, on) and 'via' (way, road). the spelling was later influenced by the unrelated word 'voice', leading to the modern form 'invoice'. originally referring to a shipment of goods, the meaning narrowed to specifically denote the itemized bill accompanying such a shipment, linking the concept of a 'sending' with the documented list.
Analysis
Structure: in + voice
in (latin, meaning 'in, upon'), voice (latin, via old french, meaning 'voice, word, document')
Examples
the supplier emailed the invoice for the software license.
please ensure you invoice the client by the end of the month.
we haven't received payment because the invoice got lost in the mail.