Does an "invoice" has a meaning of a "request for payment" like a "bill" ?

Please see the first definition here.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invoice

Unfortunately, the above website definition does not say an "invoice" has a meaning of request for payment. That is the reason of posting such a question, to my understanding although I have no clear ideas.

Well, I must be a little confused.

You said:

AnonymousAt least all of the dictionaries I checked do not say an "invoice" has a meaning of a "request for payment" like a "bill."

However, it seems the word "invoice" is commonly used in place of a "bill." Why is this ?

I provided you with a link (www.m-w.com definition for invoice) with a definiti

I apologize for the confusion. I posted this question. Let me put it in another way.

I understand an "invoice" is often used to mean a "request for payment." However, dictionary definitions usually do not say so but only says that it is an itemized list of goods shipped usually specifying the price and the terms of sale (as explained in the quoted website definition) without any purpo