http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/accrual-swap.asp#axzz1npXWPg3B
Definition of 'Accrual Swap'
A form of discrete time-switch option in which the interest on one side accrues only if certain conditions are met. Payment of interest in the accrual swap occurs if the reference rate, such as LIBOR or EURIBOR, is above or below a certain level. One party
pays the standard floating reference rate, and in turn receives the reference rate plus a spread. Interest payments to the counterparty will only accrue for days in which the reference rate stays within a certain range.
Investopedia explains 'Accrual Swap'
Investors and companies utilizing accrual swaps assume the risk that the reference rate will stay in a certain range. The broader the lower and upper cap, the greater the risk that the reference rate will fall within this range, which is typically what is desired
since interest will not be accrued.
For example, a company with a floating-rate obligation denominated in euros wants to hedge its exposure by paying a fixed rate which is below the market rate. The floating rate is conditional on how many days EURIBOR is within an agreed upon range during
a set period. The goal of the company is to obtain a lower fixed rate by assuming the risk that the EURIBOR rate will fall outside of the agreed upon range.
Definition of 'Accrual Rate'
The rate of interest that is added to the principal of a financial instrument between cash payments of that interest. For example, a six-month bond with interest payable semiannually will accrue daily interest during the six-month term until it is paid in full
on the date it becomes due.
nvestopedia explains 'Accrual Rate'
Accrual rates are also used in nonfinancial contexts, such as for vacation or pension accrual rates. As well, they are often used in accrual accounting, which is used by most businesses; cash-basis accounting is most commonly used by individuals.
Definition of 'Accrual Bond'
A bond that does not pay periodic interest payments. Instead, interest is added to the principal balance of the bond and is either paid at maturity or, at some point, the bond begins to pay both principal and interest based on the accrued principal and interest
to that point.
Investopedia explains 'Accrual Bond'
When the bond begins to pay both principal and interest based on the accrued principal and interest at that point, this is known as a Z tranche and is common in collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). In a CMO that includes a Z tranche, the interest payments
that otherwise would be paid to the Z-tranche holder are used to pay down the principal of another tranche. After that tranche is paid off, the Z tranche begins to pay down based on the original principal of the tranche plus the accrued interest.
Similar to a zero-coupon bond, an accrual bond or Z tranche has limited or no reinvestment risk. However, accrual bonds, by definition, have a longer duration than bonds with the same maturity that make regular interest or principal and interest payments.
As such, accrual bonds are subject to greater interest rate risk than bonds that make periodic payments over their entire terms.