Which term represents a sum of money gained from an investment or a business activity?

The term "lucre" specifically refers to money or profit gained, usually in a context that emphasizes the potential or act of earning money, often without a connotation of legality or ethics associated with it. It is derived from the Latin word "lucrum," which means profit or gain.

While "profit," "income," and "revenue" are also related to the financial gains from business or investments, they typically carry more specific meanings. For example, revenue is the total income generated from goods sold or services provided before any expenses are deducted, while income refers more broadly to any earnings received, which may include wages or salaries, interest, and other income besides just investment returns.

Profit, on the other hand, represents the financial gain after subtracting expenses from total revenue, focusing on the actual surplus that remains. While these terms are all connected to the idea of financial gain, "lucre" captures that broader sense of wealth accumulation and is less commonly used compared to the other terms. Thus, it fits the question's requirement for a term that represents a sum of money gained from investment or business activity.