can someone please explain to me what an annuity is?

Hi AngelFantasy23. I noticed that this topic was posted 3 months ago. I admire your financial planning and applaud your wisdom in finding the need to plan for your retirement early. Since you posted this topic 3 months ago, have you been able to find out more about annuities? What are the different kind of plans offered to you where you are? How different is the annuity from the fixed deposits and long term investments plans? Please enlighten.