Speculative risk

UK: A risk where the outcome may range from loss to gain. The prospect of gain induces businesses to take risks. Businesses control speculative risks by means of sound business practices such as hedging, market research, internal controls, etc., and forming limited liability companies. Insurance is not available to protect firms against insolvency. See HOLISTIC RISK MANAGEMENT; ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT.
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A type of risk not typically insurable, as it is not possible to predict whether it will succeed or fail.
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Risk that entails a chance of gain as well as a chance of loss. Contrast with Pure risk.
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The uncertainty of an event that could produce either a profit or a loss, such as a business venture or a gambling transaction.
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Uncertainty as to whether a gain or loss will occur. For example, in a business enterprise, there is a chance that the business will make or lose money. Speculative risks are not normally insurable.

Speech recognition system

Computerized voice recognition system that makes it possible for a computer system to respond to spoken words. Two basic categories are navigation or command control , which allows an individual to launch and operate software applications with spoken directions, and dictation software , which makes it possible for a computer system to recognize spoken words and automatically convert them into text.

speech-language pathologist (SLP)

Individual who has a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association, has completed the equivalent educational requirements and work experience necessary for the certificate, or has completed the academic program and is acquiring supervised work experience to qualify for the certificate. SLPs specialize in the measurement and evaluation of language abilities, auditory processes, speech production, and swallowing problems.

Spend down

In the Medicaid program, process of using up assets or income until an individual reaches the eligibility level because of the need for confinement in a nursing home or for long-term care. Also referred to as spending down .