[pɔːtˈfəʊlɪəʊ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a large, thin, flat case for loose sheets of paper such as drawings or maps
(e.g: under his arm he carried a large portfolio of drawings)

- a range of investments held by a person or organization
(e.g: a portfolio of insured municipal securities)

- denoting or engaged in an employment pattern which involves a succession of short-term contracts and part-time work, rather than the more traditional model of a single job for life
(e.g: portfolio careers allow women to balance work with family)

- the position and duties of a Minister or Secretary of State
(e.g: he took on the Foreign Affairs portfolio)


Phrases:

Origin:
early 18th century: from Italian portafogli, from portare ‘carry’ + foglio ‘leaf’ (from Latin folium)