purchase-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: the acquisition of something with money

Commentary: PURCHASE[+event][+contractual][+acquisition][+with_money] the acquisition of something for payment
NOTE: a nominalization: X's purchase of Y -> X purchased Y

Examples:
They have a large selection of videos available for purchase. (X purchase them)
The purchase of that large tract of North America was made during the Napoleonic Wars.
The courts may rule that purchase of the smaller company by the larger is monopolistic.

Mappings:
PropBank: purchase.01
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: thing bought

Commentary: PURCHASE[+entity][+physical][+acquisition][+bought] something acquired by purchase

Examples:
She came home from the store and showed me her purchases.
We stowed our purchases in the car before going on to lunch.
Bob took his purchase to the gift wrapping department.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: gaining control or influence in a context

Commentary: PURCHASE[+state][+physical][+influence][+control] a means of exerting influence or gaining advantage

Examples:
The horses' hooves fought for purchase on the slippery pavement.
He could get no purchase on the situation.
As the car skidded, she clutched the steering wheel for more purchase.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 4: mechanical leverage

Commentary: PURCHASE[+state][+physical][+leverage][+mechanical] the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever

Examples:
The purchase allowed him to lift the safe.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 4