To depreciate an asset is to spread its cost over the time you use it You charge depreciation expense for the asset each period The total depreciation taken for an asset is stored in the accumulated depreciation account
In the context of foreign exchange rates, a drop in the spot foreign exchange value of a floating currency; i e , a currency the value of which is determined by open market transactions See Devaluation In the context of accounting, a periodic charge (expense) that represents the allocation of the cost of a fixed asset to various time periods
If something such as a currency depreciates or if something depreciates it, it loses some of its original value. Inflation is rising rapidly; the yuan is depreciating The demand for foreign currency depreciates the real value of local currencies During those five years, the pound depreciated by a quarter + depreciation depreciations de·pre·cia·tion miscellaneous costs, including machinery depreciation and wages