| − | The amount by which outlays exceed receipts in a given fiscal period. (A surplus would be the amount by which the receipts exceed outlays). | + | The amount by which outlays exceed receipts in a given fiscal period. (A surplus would be the amount by which the receipts exceed outlays).<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/deficit_or_surplus.htm] US Senate Reference</ref> |