acknowledgement

1. General: Statement declaring something to be factual or true (or confirming something to be genuine) and certified by a competent authority. Also called verification.

2. Commerce: Written (or electronic) communication to the buyer that the seller has accepted the buyer's purchase order. This acknowledgement creates a binding contract on both parties.

3. Computing: Message (such as one used in 'handshaking' process between two modems) that indicates the status of communications received. Commonly written as ACK.

4. Law: (1) Formal declaration made under oath, or in the presence of a notary public or other competent authority. (2) Avowal of debt after which the right of action to recover debt accrues to the debtor (and not before).

5. Marine insurance: Document issued to confirm that a particular shipment is covered under an insurance policy.