Answer:
An investment readily convertible to a known amount of cash
Explanation:
Cash equivalents are items usually recognized in the balance sheet along with cash (then names Cash and cash equivalent) that are readily or easily convertible to cash at an amount that is measurable.
Examples of cash equivalents include commercial papers, bank certificate of deposit, treasury bills usually with a tenor of 3 months or less etc.
Cash equivalents are assets and help improve the company's liquidity.