CORPORATE INCOME FD INTERM TERM SER 48 DEFINED ASSET FDS
497, 2000-04-03
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                             DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--REGISTERED TRADEMARK--
                             -------------------------------
                             ---------------------

                           CORPORATE INCOME FUND
                           INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES--48
                           (A UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST)
                           -  PORTFOLIO OF INTERMEDIATE TERM CORPORATE BONDS
                           -  DESIGNED FOR HIGH CURRENT INCOME
                           -  MONTHLY INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS
                           -  U.S. TAX EXEMPT FOR MANY FOREIGN HOLDERS

SPONSORS:
MERRILL LYNCH,
PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED               -----------------------------------------------------
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.  The Securities and Exchange Commission has not
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES      approved or disapproved these Securities or passed
INC.                       upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED   representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.  Prospectus dated March 31, 2000.

<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defined Asset Funds--Registered Trademark--
Defined Asset Funds-Registered Trademark- is America's oldest and largest family
of unit investment trusts, with over $160 billion sponsored over the last 28
years. Defined Asset Funds has been a leader in unit investment trust research
and product innovation. Our family of Funds helps investors work toward their
financial goals with a full range of quality investments, including municipal,
corporate and government bond portfolios, as well as domestic and international
equity portfolios.

Defined Asset Funds offer a number of advantages:
  - A disciplined strategy of buying and holding with a long-term view is the
    cornerstone of Defined Asset Funds.
  - Fixed portfolio: Defined Funds follow a buy and hold investment strategy;
    funds are not managed and portfolio changes are limited.
  - Defined Portfolios: We choose the stocks and bonds in advance, so you know
    what you're investing in.
  - Professional research: Our dedicated research team seeks out stocks or bonds
    appropriate for a particular fund's objectives.
  - Ongoing supervision: We monitor each portfolio on an ongoing basis.
No matter what your investment goals, tolerance for risk or time horizon,
there's probably a Defined Asset Fund that suits your investment style. Your
financial professional can help you select a Defined Asset Fund that works best
for your investment portfolio.

THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS AS OF THE EVALUATION DATE,
DECEMBER 31, 1999.

<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>
CONTENTS
                                       PAGE
                                       ----
Risk/Return Summary..................     3
What You Can Expect From Your
  Investment.........................     6
  Monthly Income.....................     6
  Return Figures.....................     6
  Records and Reports................     6
The Risks You Face...................     7
  Interest Rate Risk.................     7
  Call Risk..........................     7
  Reduced Diversification Risk.......     7
  Liquidity Risk.....................     7
  Concentration Risk.................     7
  Bond Quality Risk..................     7
  Litigation Risk....................     7
Selling or Exchanging Units..........     8
  Sponsors' Secondary Market.........     8
  Selling Units to the Trustee.......     8
  Exchange Option....................     9
How The Fund Works...................     9
  Pricing............................     9
  Evaluations........................     9
  Income.............................     9
  Expenses...........................     9
  Portfolio Changes..................    10
  Fund Termination...................    10
  Certificates.......................    11
  Trust Indenture....................    11
  Legal Opinion......................    11
  Auditors...........................    12
  Sponsors...........................    12
  Trustee............................    12
  Underwriters' and Sponsors'
    Profits..........................    12
  Public Distribution................    12
  Code of Ethics.....................    12
  Year 2000 Issues...................    13
Taxes................................    13
Supplemental Information.............    14
Financial Statements.................   D-1
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RISK/RETURN SUMMARY

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
 1.  WHAT IS THE FUND'S OBJECTIVE?
     The Fund seeks high current interest
     income by investing in a fixed portfolio
     consisting primarily of corporate bonds
     with an estimated average life of
     approximately 7 years.

 2.  WHAT ARE CORPORATE BONDS?
     Corporate bonds are bonds issued by
     companies, governments or other
     institutions to raise money to use in
     their business or to fund their
     activities. In return, they pay a fixed
     rate of interest and principal at
     maturity.

 3.  WHAT IS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY?

  -  The Fund plans to hold to maturity 9
     intermediate-term corporate bonds with a
     current aggregate face amount of
     $25,635,000.
  -  The Fund is a unit investment trust which
     means that, unlike a mutual fund, the
     Fund's portfolio is not managed.
  -  When the bonds were initially deposited
     they were rated A or better by Standard &
     Poor's, Moody's or Fitch. THE CREDIT
     QUALITY OF THE BONDS MAY CURRENTLY BE
     LOWER.
  -  None of the bonds are subject to optional
     redemption or sinking fund redemption
     provisions. Some bonds may be called at
     par for extraordinary reasons.

     The Portfolio consists of corporate bonds
     of the following types of issuers:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
  -  Corporate Utilities                  22%
<C>  <S>
  -  Financial Institutions               78%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
 4.  WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANT RISKS?

     YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE
     FUND. THIS CAN HAPPEN FOR VARIOUS
     REASONS, INCLUDING:
  -  Rising interest rates, an issuer's
     worsening financial condition or a drop
     in bond ratings can reduce the price of
     your units.
  -  Because the Fund is concentrated in
     financial institution bonds, adverse
     developments in this industry may affect
     the value of your units.
  -  Assuming no changes in interest rates,
     when you sell your units, they will
     generally be worth less than your cost
     because your cost included a sales fee.
  -  The Fund will receive early returns of
     principal if bonds are called or sold
     before they mature. If this happens your
     income will decline and you may not be
     able to reinvest the money you receive at
     as high a yield or as long a maturity.

 5.  IS THIS FUND APPROPRIATE FOR YOU?

     Yes, if you want current monthly income.
     You will benefit from a professionally
     selected and supervised portfolio whose
     risk is reduced by investing in bonds of
     several different issuers.
     The Fund is NOT appropriate for you if
     you want a speculative investment that
     changes to take advantage of market
     movements or if you cannot tolerate any
     risk.
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
     DEFINING YOUR INCOME
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
     WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT (Payable on the 25th day each
     month):
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>                                            <C>
     Regular Monthly Income per unit:                $ 4.80
     Annual Income per unit:                         $57.70
     RECORD DAY: 10th day of each month

     THESE FIGURES ARE ESTIMATES ON THE EVALUATION DATE;
     ACTUAL PAYMENTS MAY VARY.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
 6.  WHAT ARE THE FUND'S FEES AND EXPENSES?

     This table shows the costs and expenses you may pay,
     directly or indirectly, when you invest in the Fund.

     INVESTOR FEES

     Maximum Sales Fee (Load) on new
     purchases (as a percentage of
     $1,000 invested)                           3.00%

     Employees of some of the Sponsors and their
     affiliates may be charged a reduced sales fee of no
     less than $5.00 per unit.
     The maximum sales fee is reduced if you invest at
     least $100,000, as follows:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               YOUR MAXIMUM
                                SALES FEE
          IF YOU INVEST:         WILL BE:
          --------------       ------------
<C>  <S>                       <C>
     Less than $100,000            3.00%
     $100,000 to $249,999          2.75%
     $250,000 to $499,999          2.50%
     $500,000 to $999,999          2.25%
     $1,000,000 and over           2.00%

     Maximum Exchange Fee          2.00%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
     ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   AMOUNT
                                                  PER UNIT
                                                  --------
<C>  <S>                                          <C>
                                                   $0.59
     Trustee's Fee
                                                   $0.48
     Portfolio Supervision,
     Bookkeeping and
     Administrative Fees   (including
     updating
     expenses)
                                                   $0.14
     Evaluator's Fee
                                                   $0.17
     Other Operating Expenses
                                                   -----
                                                   $1.38
     TOTAL
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
     The Sponsors historically paid updating
     expenses.

 7.  HOW HAVE SIMILAR FUNDS PERFORMED IN THE
     PAST?

     IN THE FOLLOWING CHART WE SHOW PAST
     PERFORMANCE OF PRIOR INTERMEDIATE TERM
     SERIES OF CORPORATE INCOME FUND, WHICH
     HAD THE SAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES,
     STRATEGIES AND TYPES OF BONDS AS THIS
     FUND. THESE PRIOR SERIES DIFFERED IN
     THAT THEY CHARGED A HIGHER SALES FEE.
     These prior Intermediate Term Series
     were offered between June 27, 1990 and
     April 9, 1996 and were outstanding on
     December 31, 1999. OF COURSE, PAST
     PERFORMANCE OF PRIOR SERIES IS NO
     GUARANTEE OF FUTURE RESULTS OF THIS
     FUND.

     AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPOUND TOTAL RETURNS
     FOR PRIOR SERIES
     REFLECTING ALL EXPENSES. FOR PERIODS
     ENDED 12/31/99.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          WITH SALES FEE       NO SALES FEE
                         1 YEAR   5 YEARS    1 YEAR   5 YEARS
 <S>                    <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
 -------------------------------------------------------------
 High                    0.53%     7.95%     3.55%     8.99%
 Average                 -3.42      7.22     -0.50      8.25
 Low                     -8.68      6.13     -5.92      7.14

<C>  <S>

<C>  <S>
     managed and bonds are not sold because of market
     changes. Rather, experienced Defined Asset Funds
     financial analysts regularly review the bonds in
     the Fund. The Fund may sell a bond if certain
     adverse credit or other conditions exist.

 9.  HOW DO I BUY UNITS?

     The minimum investment is one unit.

<C>  <S>
     You can buy units from any of the Sponsors and
     other broker-dealers. The Sponsors are listed
     later in this prospectus. Some banks may offer
     units for sale through special arrangements with
     the Sponsors, although certain legal
     restrictions may apply.
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
     UNIT PRICE PER UNIT                   $926.91
     (as of December 31, 1999)

     Unit price is based on the net asset value of
     the Fund plus the up-front sales fee. An amount
     equal to any principal cash, as well as net
     accrued but undistributed interest on the unit,
     is added to the unit price. An independent
     evaluator prices the bonds at 3:30 p.m. Eastern
     time every business day. Unit price changes
     every day with changes in the prices of the
     bonds in the Fund.

10.  HOW DO I SELL UNITS?

     You may sell your units at any time to any
     Sponsor or the Trustee for the net asset value
     determined at the close of business on the date
     of sale. You will not pay any other fee when you
     sell your units.
11.  HOW ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE AND TAXED?

     The Fund pays income monthly. Interest on the
     bonds in this Fund is subject to federal income
     taxes for U.S. investors, but if you are a
     non-U.S. investor, your interest may be exempt
     from U.S. federal income taxes, including
     withholding taxes.

     You will also receive principal payments if
     bonds are sold or called or mature, when the
     cash available is more than $5.00 per unit. You
     will be subject to tax on any gain realized by
     the Fund on the disposition of bonds.

12.  WHAT OTHER SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

     REINVESTMENT
     You will receive your monthly income in cash
     unless you choose to compound your income by
     reinvesting at no sales fee in the Corporate
     Fund Investment Accumulation Program, Inc. This
     Program is an open-end mutual fund with a
     comparable investment objective. Income from
     this Program will be subject to U.S. federal
     income taxes for both U.S. and foreign
     investors. FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ABOUT
     THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING CHARGES AND FEES, ASK THE
     TRUSTEE FOR THE PROGRAM'S PROSPECTUS. READ IT
     CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST. THE TRUSTEE MUST
     RECEIVE YOUR WRITTEN ELECTION TO REINVEST AT
     LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE RECORD DAY OF AN INCOME
     PAYMENT.

     EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
     You may exchange units of this Fund for units of
     certain other Defined Asset Funds. You may also
     exchange into this Fund from certain other
     funds. We charge a reduced sales fee on
     exchanges.
</TABLE>

                                       5
<PAGE>
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR INVESTMENT

MONTHLY INCOME

The Fund will pay you regular monthly income. Your monthly income may vary
because of:
  - elimination of one or more bonds from the Fund's portfolio because of calls,
    redemptions or sales;
  - a change in the Fund's expenses; or
  - the failure by a bond's issuer to pay interest.

Changes in interest rates generally will not affect your monthly income because
the portfolio is fixed.

Along with your monthly income, you will receive your share of any available
bond principal.

RETURN FIGURES

We cannot predict your actual return, which will vary with unit price, how long
you hold your investment and changes in the portfolio, interest income and
expenses.

ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN equals the estimated annual cash to be received from
the bonds in the Fund less estimated annual Fund expenses, divided by the Unit
Price (including the maximum sales fee):

<TABLE>
<S>              <C>  <C>
Estimated Annual         Estimated
Interest Income   -   Annual Expenses
- -------------------------------------
             Unit Price
</TABLE>

ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN is a measure of the estimated return over the
estimated life of the Fund. Unlike Estimated Current Return, Estimated Long Term
Return reflects maturities, discounts and premiums of the bonds in the Fund. It
is an average of the yields to maturity (or in certain cases, to an earlier call
date) of the individual bonds in the portfolio, adjusted to reflect the Fund's
maximum sales fee and estimated expenses. We calculate the average yield for the
portfolio by weighting each bond's yield by its market value and the time
remaining to the call or maturity date.

Yields on individual bonds depend on many factors including general conditions
of the bond markets, the size of a particular offering and the maturity and
quality rating of the particular issues. Yields can vary among bonds with
similar maturities, coupons and ratings.

These return quotations are designed to be comparative rather than predictive.

RECORDS AND REPORTS

You will receive:
- - a monthly statement of income payments and any principal payments;
- - a notice from the Trustee when new bonds are deposited in exchange or
  substitution for bonds originally deposited;
- - an annual report on Fund activity; and
- - annual tax information. THIS WILL ALSO BE SENT TO THE IRS. YOU MUST REPORT THE
  AMOUNT OF INTEREST RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR.

You may request:
- - copies of bond evaluations to enable you to comply with federal and state tax
  reporting requirements; and
- - audited financial statements of the Fund.
You may inspect records of Fund transactions at the Trustee's office during
regular business hours.

                                       6
<PAGE>
THE RISKS YOU FACE

INTEREST RATE RISK

Investing involves risks, including the risk that your investment will decline
in value if interest rates rise. Generally, bonds with longer maturities will
change in value more than bonds with shorter maturities. Bonds in the Fund are
more likely to be called when interest rates decline. This would result in early
returns of principal to you and may result in early termination of the Fund. Of
course, we cannot predict how interest rates may change.

CALL RISK

Many bonds can be prepaid or "called" by the issuer before their stated
maturity. For example, some bonds may be required to be called pursuant to
mandatory sinking fund provisions.

Also, an issuer might call its bonds during periods of falling interest rates,
if the issuer's bonds have a coupon higher than current market rates.

If the bonds are called, your income will decline and you may not be able to
reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield or as long a maturity. An
early call at par of a premium bond will reduce your return.

REDUCED DIVERSIFICATION RISK

If many investors sell their units, the Fund will have to sell bonds. This could
reduce the diversification of your investment and increase your share of Fund
expenses.

LIQUIDITY RISK

The bonds will generally trade in the over-the-counter market. We cannot assure
you that a liquid trading market will exist, especially since current law may
restrict the Fund from selling bonds to any Sponsor. The value of the bonds, and
of your investment, may be reduced if trading in bonds is limited or absent.

CONCENTRATION RISK

When a certain type of bond makes up 25% or more of the portfolio, the Fund is
said to be "concentrated" in that bond type, which makes the Fund less
diversified.

Here is what you should know about the Fund's concentration in bonds issued by
financial institutions:
  - the profitability of a financial institution is largely dependent upon the
    credit quality of its loan portfolio; credit quality of its loan portfolio
    is affected by the institution's underwriting criteria, concentrations
    within the portfolio and industry and general economic conditions; and
  - operating performance of a financial institution is also impacted by changes
    in interest rates, the availability and cost of funds, intensity of
    competition and degree of government regulation.

Changes to the portfolio from bond redemptions, maturities and sales may affect
the Fund's concentration over time.

BOND QUALITY RISK

A reduction in a bond's rating may decrease its value and, indirectly, the value
of your investment in the Fund.

LITIGATION RISK

We do not know of any pending litigation that might have a material adverse
effect upon the Fund.

                                       7
<PAGE>
SELLING OR EXCHANGING UNITS

You can sell your units at any time for a price based on net asset value. Your
net asset value is calculated each business day by:
  - ADDING the value of the bonds, net accrued interest, cash and any other Fund
    assets;
  - SUBTRACTING accrued but unpaid Fund expenses, unreimbursed Trustee advances,
    cash held to buy back units or for distribution to investors and any other
    Fund liabilities; and
  - DIVIDING the result by the number of outstanding units.

Your net asset value when you sell may be more or less than your cost because of
sales fees, market movements and changes in the portfolio.

SPONSORS' SECONDARY MARKET

While we are not obligated to do so, we will buy back units at net asset value
without any other fee or charge other than any remaining deferred sales charge.
We may resell the units to other buyers or to the Trustee. You should consult
your financial professional for current market prices to determine if other
broker-dealers or banks are offering higher prices.

We have maintained a secondary market continuously for over 25 years, but we
could discontinue it without prior notice for any business reason.

SELLING UNITS TO THE TRUSTEE

Regardless of whether we maintain a secondary market, you can sell your units to
the Trustee at any time by sending the Trustee a letter (with any outstanding
certificates if you hold unit certificates). You must properly endorse your
certificates (or execute a written transfer instrument with signatures
guaranteed by an eligible institution). Sometimes, additional documents are
needed such as a trust document, certificate of corporate authority, certificate
of death or appointment as executor, administrator or guardian.

Within seven days after your request and the necessary documents are received,
the Trustee will mail a check to you. Contact the Trustee for additional
information.

As long as we are maintaining a secondary market, the Trustee will sell your
units to us at a price based on net asset value. If there is no secondary
market, the Trustee may sell your units in the over-the-counter market for a
higher price, but it is not obligated to do so. In that case, you will receive
the net proceeds of the sale.

If the Fund does not have cash available to pay you for units you are selling,
the agent for the Sponsors will select bonds to be sold. Bonds will be selected
based on market and credit factors. These sales could be made at times when the
bonds would not otherwise be sold and may result in your receiving less than the
unit par value and also reduce the size and diversity of the Fund.

There could be a delay in paying you for your units:
  - if the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and
    holiday closings);
  - if the SEC determines that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is
    restricted or that an emergency exists making sale or evaluation of the
    bonds not reasonably practicable; and
  - for any other period permitted by SEC order.

                                       8
<PAGE>
EXCHANGE OPTION

You may exchange units of certain Defined Asset Funds for units of this Fund at
a maximum exchange fee of 2.00%. You may exchange units of this Fund for units
of certain other funds at a reduced sales fee if your investment goals change.
To exchange units, you should talk to your financial professional about what
funds are exchangeable, suitable and currently available.

Normally, an exchange is taxable and you must recognize any gain or loss on the
exchange. However, the IRS may try to disallow a loss if the portfolios of the
two funds are not materially different; you should consult your own tax adviser.

We may amend or terminate this exchange option at any time without notice.

HOW THE FUND WORKS

PRICING

The price of a unit includes interest accrued on the bonds, less expenses, from
the most recent Record Day up to, but not including, the settlement date, which
is usually three business days after the purchase date of the unit.

A portion of the price of a unit consists of cash so that the Trustee can
provide you with regular monthly income. When you sell your units you will
receive your share of this cash.

EVALUATIONS

An independent Evaluator values the bonds on each business day (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays as observed by the New York Stock
Exchange: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Bond values are based on current bid or offer prices for the bonds or comparable
bonds. In the past, the difference between bid and offer prices of publicly
offered bonds has ranged from 0.25% of face amount on actively traded issues to
1.5% on inactively traded issues; the difference has averaged between 0.5% and
1%.

INCOME

The Trustee credits interest to an Income Account and other receipts to a
Capital Account. The Trustee may establish a Reserve Account by withdrawing from
these accounts amounts it considers appropriate to pay any material liability.
These accounts do not bear interest.

EXPENSES

The Trustee is paid monthly. It also benefits when it holds cash for the Fund in
non-interest bearing accounts. The Trustee may also receive additional amounts:
  - to reimburse the Trustee for the Fund's operating expenses;
  - for extraordinary services and costs of indemnifying the Trustee and the
    Sponsors;
  - costs of actions taken to protect the Fund and other legal fees and
    expenses;
  - expenses for keeping the Fund's registration statement current; and
  - Fund termination expenses and any governmental charges.

The Sponsors are currently reimbursed up to 55 CENTS per $1,000 face amount
annually for providing portfolio supervisory, bookkeeping and administrative
services and for any other expenses properly chargeable to the

                                       9
<PAGE>
Fund. Legal, typesetting, electronic filing and regulatory filing fees and
expenses associated with updating the Portfolio's registration statement yearly
are also now chargeable to the Portfolio. While this fee may exceed the amount
of these costs and expenses attributable to this Fund, the total of these fees
for all Series of Defined Asset Funds will not exceed the aggregate amount
attributable to all of these Series for any calendar year. The Fund also pays
the Evaluator's fees.

The Trustee's, Sponsors' and Evaluator's fees may be adjusted for inflation
without investors' approval.

The Sponsors will pay advertising and selling expenses at no charge to the Fund.
If Fund expenses exceed initial estimates, the Fund will owe the excess. The
Trustee has a lien on Fund assets to secure reimbursement of Fund expenses and
may sell bonds if cash is not available.

PORTFOLIO CHANGES

The Sponsors and Trustee are not liable for any default or defect in a bond.

Unlike a mutual fund, the portfolio is designed to remain intact and we may keep
bonds in the portfolio even if their credit quality declines or other adverse
financial circumstances occur. However, we may sell a bond in certain cases if
we believe that certain adverse credit or certain other conditions exist.

If we maintain a secondary market in units but are unable to sell the units that
we buy in the secondary market, we will redeem units, which may affect the
composition of the portfolio. Units offered in the secondary market may not
represent the same face amount of bonds that they did originally.

We decide whether or not to offer units for sale that we acquire in the
secondary market after reviewing:
  - diversity of the portfolio;
  - size of the Fund relative to its original size;
  - ratio of Fund expenses to income;
  - current and long-term returns;
  - degree to which units may be selling at a premium over par; and
  - cost of maintaining a current prospectus.

FUND TERMINATION

The Fund will terminate following the stated maturity or sale of the last bond
in the portfolio. The Fund may also terminate earlier with the consent of
investors holding 51% of the units or if total assets of the Fund have fallen
below 40% of the face amount of bonds deposited. We will decide whether to
terminate the Fund early based on the same factors used in deciding whether or
not to offer units in the secondary market.

When the Fund is about to terminate you will receive a notice, and you will be
unable to sell your units after that time. On or shortly before termination, we
will sell any remaining bonds, and you will receive your final distribution. Any
bond that cannot be sold at a reasonable price may continue to be held by the
Trustee in a liquidating trust pending its final sale.

You will pay your share of the expenses associated with termination, including
brokerage costs in selling bonds. This may reduce the amount you receive as your
final distribution.

                                       10
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATES

Certificates for units are issued on request. You may transfer certificates by
complying with the requirements for redeeming certificates, described above. You
can replace lost or mutilated certificates by delivering satisfactory indemnity
and paying the associated costs.

TRUST INDENTURE

The Fund is a "unit investment trust" governed by a Trust Indenture, a contract
among the Sponsors, the Trustee and the Evaluator, which sets forth their duties
and obligations and your rights. A copy of the Indenture is available to you on
request to the Trustee. The following summarizes certain provisions of the
Indenture.

The Sponsors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture without your consent:
  - to cure ambiguities;
  - to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision;
  - to make any amendment required by any governmental agency; or
  - to make other changes determined not to be materially adverse to your best
    interest (as determined by the Sponsors).

Investors holding 51% of the units may amend the Indenture. Every investor must
consent to any amendment that changes the 51% requirement. No amendment may
reduce your interest in the Fund without your written consent.

The Trustee may resign by notifying the Sponsors. The Sponsors may remove the
Trustee without your consent if:
  - it fails to perform its duties and the Sponsors determine that its
    replacement is in your best interest; or
  - it becomes incapable of acting or bankrupt or its affairs are taken over by
    public authorities.

Investors holding 51% of the units may remove the Trustee. The Evaluator may
resign or be removed by the Sponsors and the Trustee without the consent of
investors. The resignation or removal of either becomes effective when a
successor accepts appointment. The Sponsors will try to appoint a successor
promptly; however, if no successor has accepted within 30 days after notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee or Evaluator may petition a court to appoint
a successor.

Any Sponsor may resign as long as one Sponsor with a net worth of $2 million
remains and agrees to the resignation. The remaining Sponsors and the Trustee
may appoint a replacement. If there is only one Sponsor and it fails to perform
its duties or becomes bankrupt the Trustee may:
  - remove it and appoint a replacement Sponsor;
  - liquidate the Fund; or
  - continue to act as Trustee without a Sponsor.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acts as agent for the
Sponsors.

The Trust Indenture contains customary provisions limiting the liability of the
Trustee, the Sponsors and the Evaluator.

LEGAL OPINION

Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as
special counsel for the Sponsors, has given an opinion that the units are
validly issued.

                                       11
<PAGE>
AUDITORS

Deloitte & Touche LLP, 2 World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281,
independent accountants, audited the Statement of Condition included in this
prospectus.

SPONSORS

The Sponsors are:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.)
P.O. Box 9051,
Princeton, NJ 08543-9051
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. (an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup
Inc.)
388 Greenwich Street--23rd Floor,
New York, NY 10013
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC. (a principal operating subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co.)
Two World Trade Center--59th Floor,
New York, NY 10048
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Prudential Insurance Company of America)
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10292
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED (a wholly-owned subsidiary of PaineWebber Group Inc.)
1285 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10019

Each Sponsor is a Delaware corporation and it, or its predecessor, has acted as
sponsor to many unit investment trusts. As a registered broker-dealer each
Sponsor buys and sells securities (including investment company shares) for
others (including investment companies) and participates as an underwriter in
various selling groups.

TRUSTEE

The Bank of New York,101 Barclay Street--17W, New York, New York 10268, is the
Trustee. It is supervised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and New York State banking
authorities.

UNDERWRITERS' AND SPONSORS' PROFITS

Underwriters receive sales charges when they sell units. The Sponsors also
realized a profit or loss on the initial deposit of the bonds. Any cash made
available by you to the Sponsors before the settlement date for those units may
be used in the Sponsors' businesses to the extent permitted by federal law and
may benefit the Sponsors.

A Sponsor or Underwriter may realize profits or sustain losses on bonds in the
Fund which were acquired from underwriting syndicates of which it was a member.

In maintaining a secondary market, the Sponsors will also realize profits or
sustain losses in the amount of any difference between the prices at which they
buy units and the prices at which they resell or redeem them.

PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

The Sponsors do not intend to qualify units for sale in any foreign countries.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell units in any country where
units cannot lawfully be sold.

CODE OF ETHICS

The Fund and the Agent for the Sponsors have each adopted a code of ethics
requiring reporting of personal securities

                                       12
<PAGE>
transactions by its employees with access to information on Fund transactions.
Subject to certain conditions, the codes permit employees to invest in Fund
securities for their own accounts. The codes are designed to prevent fraud,
deception and misconduct against the Fund and to provide reasonable standards of
conduct. These codes are on file with the Commission and you may obtain a copy
by contacting the Commission at the address listed on the back cover of this
prospectus.

YEAR 2000 ISSUES

Many computer systems were designed in such a way that they may be unable to
distinguish between the year 2000 and the year 1900 (commonly known as the "Year
2000 Problem"). To date we are not aware of any major operational difficulties
resulting from the computer system changes necessary to prepare for the Year
2000. However, there can be no assurance that the Year 2000 Problem will not
adversely affect the issuers of the bonds contained in the Portfolio. We cannot
predict whether any impact will be material to the Fund as a whole.

TAXES

The following summary describes some of the important income tax consequences of
holding units. It assumes that you are not a dealer, financial institution,
insurance company or other investor with special circumstances or subject to
special rules. You should consult your own tax adviser about your particular
circumstances.

In the opinion of our counsel, under existing law:

GENERAL TREATMENT OF THE FUND AND YOUR INVESTMENT

The Fund will not be taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, and
you will be considered to own directly your share of each bond in the Fund.

GAIN OR LOSS UPON DISPOSITION

When all or part of your share of a bond is disposed of (for example, when the
Fund sells, exchanges or redeems a bond or when you sell or exchange your
units), you will generally recognize capital gain or loss. Your gain, however,
will generally be ordinary income to the extent of any accrued "market
discount". Generally you will have market discount to the extent that your basis
in a bond when you purchase a unit is less than its stated redemption price at
maturity (or, if it is an original issue discount bond, the issue price
increased by original issue discount that has accrued on the bond before your
purchase). You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.

If your net long-term capital gains exceed your net short-term capital losses,
the excess may be subject to tax at a lower rate than ordinary income. Any
capital gain from the Fund will be long-term if you are considered to have held
your investment on each bond for more than one year and short-term otherwise.
Because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations, you may
not be able to deduct all of your capital losses. You should consult your tax
advisor in this regard.

                                       13
<PAGE>
YOUR BASIS IN THE BONDS

Your aggregate basis in the bonds will be equal to the cost of your units,
including any sales charges and the organizational expenses you pay, adjusted to
reflect any accruals of "original issue discount," "acquisition premium" and
"bond premium". You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.

EXPENSES

If you are an individual who itemizes deductions, you may deduct your share of
Fund expenses, but only to the extent that such amount, together with your other
miscellaneous deductions, exceeds 2% of your adjusted gross income. Your ability
to deduct Fund expenses will be limited further if your adjusted gross income
exceeds a specified amount (currently, $128,950 or $64,475 for a married person
filing separately).

FOREIGN INVESTORS

If you are a foreign investor and you are not engaged in a U.S. trade or
business, you generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax,
including withholding tax, on the interest or gain on a bond issued after July
18, 1984 if you meet certain requirements, including the certification of
foreign status and other matters. You should consult your tax adviser about the
possible application of federal, state and local, and foreign taxes.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

You can receive at no cost supplemental information about the Fund by calling
the Trustee. The supplemental information includes more detailed risk disclosure
about the types of bonds that may be in the Fund's portfolio, general risk
disclosure concerning any insurance securing certain bonds, and general
information about the structure and operation of the Fund. The supplemental
information is also available from the SEC.

                                       14
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - CORPORATE INCOME FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 48

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

The Sponsors, Trustee and Holders
  of Defined Asset Funds - Corporate Income Fund,
  Intermediate Term Series - 48:

We have audited the accompanying statement of condition of Defined
Asset Funds - Corporate Income Fund, Intermediate Term Series - 48,
including the portfolio, as of December 31, 1999 and the related
statements of operations and of changes in net assets for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Trustee. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. Securities owned at December 31, 1999, as shown
in such portfolio, were confirmed to us by The Bank of New York, the
Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by the Trustee, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Defined
Asset Funds - Corporate Income Fund, Intermediate Term Series -  48 at
December 31, 1999 and the results of its operations and changes in its
net assets for the above-stated years in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New York, N.Y.
February 28, 2000


                                     D - 1
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - CORPORATE INCOME FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 48

STATEMENT OF CONDITION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999

<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>           <C>
TRUST PROPERTY:
  Investment in marketable securities - at value
    (cost $22,468,007)(Note 1).....................                 $23,392,716
  Accrued interest receivable......................                     359,585
  Cash.............................................                      22,545
                                                                   _____________

              Total trust property.................                  23,774,846

LESS LIABILITY - Accrued expenses..................                      11,424
                                                                   _____________

NET ASSETS, REPRESENTED BY:
  26,018 units of fractional undivided
    interest outstanding (Note 3)..................  $23,397,440
  Undistributed net investment income..............      365,982
                                                    _____________
                                                                    $23,763,422
                                                                   =============
UNIT VALUE ($23,763,422/26,018 units)..............                     $913.35
                                                                   =============

</TABLE>
                         See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                     D - 2
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - CORPORATE INCOME FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 48

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             .......Years Ended December 31,..........
                                                 1999         1998         1997
                                             _________________________________________
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  Interest income...........................  $ 1,656,278   $1,885,875   $2,293,171
  Trustee's fees and expenses...............      (25,007)     (26,669)     (32,365)
  Sponsors' fees............................       (7,168)     (13,486)     (12,967)
                                             _________________________________________
  Net investment income.....................    1,624,103    1,845,720    2,247,839
                                             _________________________________________

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
  ON INVESTMENTS:
  Realized gain (loss) on securities
    sold or redeemed........................      157,730      313,337      (83,737)
  Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    of investments..........................   (2,788,361)     895,388    1,786,952
                                             _________________________________________

  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    on investments..........................   (2,630,631)   1,208,725    1,703,215
                                             _________________________________________

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
  RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.................  $(1,006,528)  $3,054,445   $3,951,054
                                             =========================================
</TABLE>

                       See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                     D - 3
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - CORPORATE INCOME FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 48

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               .......Years Ended December 31,..........
                                                   1999         1998         1997
                                               _________________________________________
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income.......................   $ 1,624,103   $ 1,845,720   $ 2,247,839
  Realized gain (loss) on securities
    sold or redeemed..........................       157,730       313,337      (83,737)
  Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    of investments............................    (2,788,361)      895,388     1,786,952
                                               _________________________________________
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets
    resulting from operations.................    (1,006,528)    3,054,445     3,951,054
                                               _________________________________________

DISTRIBUTIONS TO HOLDERS (Note 2):
  Income......................................    (1,623,410)   (1,850,489)  (2,259,141)
  Principal...................................      (118,460)     (154,218)     (98,687)
                                               _________________________________________
  Total distributions.........................    (1,741,870)   (2,004,707)   2,357,828)
                                               _________________________________________
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS - Redemptions of
  4,044, 5,226 and 4,910 units, respectively..    (3,895,255)   (5,161,001)  (4,629,915)
                                               _________________________________________
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS....................    (6,643,653)   (4,111,263)  (3,036,689)

NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR...............    30,407,075    34,518,338   37,555,027
                                               _________________________________________
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR.....................   $23,763,422   $30,407,075   $34,518,338
                                               =========================================
PER UNIT:
  Income distributions during year............        $57.91        $58.26        $58.91
                                               =========================================
  Principal distributions during year.........         $4.52         $5.13         $2.77
                                               =========================================
  Net asset value at end of year..............       $913.35     $1,011.48       $978.19
                                               =========================================
TRUST UNITS OUTSTANDING AT END OF YEAR........        26,018        30,062        35,288
                                               =========================================

</TABLE>

                       See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                     D - 4
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - CORPORATE INCOME FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 48

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as
      a Unit Investment Trust. The following is a summary of significant
      accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the
      preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in
      conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

      (a) Securities are stated at value as determined by the Evaluator
          based on bid side evaluations for the securities. Realized gains
          and losses on sales of securities are determined using first-in,
          first-out method.

      (b) The Fund is not subject to income taxes. Accordingly, no
          provision for such taxes is required.

      (c) Interest income is recorded as earned.

  2.  DISTRIBUTIONS

      A distribution of net investment income is made to Holders each
      month. Receipts other than interest, after deductions for
      redemptions and applicable expenses, are also distributed
      periodically.

  3.  NET CAPITAL

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
      Cost of 26,018 units at Date of Deposit.............   $24,508,623
      Less sales charge...................................       980,401
                                                           ______________
      Net amount applicable to Holders....................    23,528,222
      Redemptions of units - net cost of 18,982 units
        redeemed less redemption amounts..................      (763,565)
      Realized gain on securities sold or redeemed........       173,283
      Principal distributions.............................      (465,209)
      Unrealized appreciation of investments..............       924,709
                                                           ______________

      Net capital applicable to Holders...................   $23,397,440
                                                           ==============
</TABLE>

  4.  INCOME TAXES

      As of December 31, 1999, unrealized appreciation of investments, based
      on cost for Federal income tax purposes, aggregated $924,709, all of
      which related to appreciated securities. The cost of investment
      securities for Federal income tax purposes was $22,468,007 at
      December 31, 1999.


                                     D - 5
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - CORPORATE INCOME FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 48

PORTFOLIO
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Rating of Issues(1)                                Optional
    Portfolio No. and Title of       Standard &Moody's       Face                       Redemption
            Securities               Poors     Investors    Amount Coupon Maturities(3) Provisions(3)     Cost(2)    Value(2)
            __________               _________ __________   ______ ______ _____________ _____________     _______    ________
<S>                                   <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>             <C>
 1 Bank of Montreal, Subordinated      A+         A1   $ 3,200,000   6.100   2005         None        $ 2,919,688  $3,026,093
   Notes

 2 Bankers Trust Company, Subordinated A+         A2     3,145,000   6.000   2008         None          2,755,237   2,806,372
   Notes

 3 Chemical Bank, Sub. Notes           A+         Aa3    2,040,000   6.125   2008         None          1,747,425   1,853,564

 4 First Union Corporation, Sub. Note  A-         A2     3,250,000   6.000   2008         None          2,722,500   2,909,764

 5 GTE North Incorporated, Debs.       AA-        A2     2,355,000   6.000   2004         None          2,148,925   2,257,371

 6 Pacific Gas & Electric Company,     AA-        A1     1,180,000   5.875   2005         None          1,016,775   1,098,808
   First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds,
   Ser. 93 - E

 7 Republic New York Corp. Sub. Notes  A          A2     4,575,000   5.875   2008         None          3,876,531   4,010,569

 8 Southern California Edison Co.,     A+         A1     2,140,000   5.875   2004         None          1,912,800   2,069,334
   First and Rfdg. Mtg. Bonds,
   Ser. 93 - H

 9 Toronto-Dominion Bank, Sub. Notes   NR         A1     3,750,000   6.125   2008         None          3,368,126   3,400,841

                                                     ______________                                 ______________ _____________
TOTAL                                                  $25,635,000                                    $22,468,007  $23,392,716
                                                     ==============                                 ============== =============
</TABLE>

        See Notes to Portfolio.


                                     D - 6
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - CORPORATE INCOME FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 48

NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999

   (1) "NR", if applicable, indicates that this security is not currently
       rated by the indicated rating service. These ratings have been
       provided by the Evaluator, but not confirmed with the rating
       agencies.

   (2) See Notes to Financial Statements.

   (3) Optional redemption provisions, which may be exercised in whole
       or in part, are initially at prices of par plus a premium, then
       subsequently at prices declining to par. Certain securities may
       provide for redemption at par prior or in addition to any
       optional or mandatory redemption dates or maturity, for
       example, through the operation of a maintenance and replacement
       fund, if proceeds are not able to be used as contemplated, the
       project is condemned or sold or the project is destroyed and
       insurance proceeds are used to redeem the securities. Many of
       the securities are also subject to mandatory sinking fund
       redemption commencing on dates which may be prior to the date
       on which securities may be optionally redeemed. Sinking fund
       redemptions are at par and redeem only part of the issue. Some
       of the securities have mandatory sinking funds which contain
       optional provisions permitting the issuer to increase the
       principal amount of securities called on a mandatory redemption
       date. The sinking fund redemptions with optional provisions
       may, and optional refunding redemptions generally will, occur
       at times when the redeemed securities have an offering side
       evaluation which represents a premium over par. To the extent
       that the securities were acquired at a price higher than the
       redemption price, this will represent a loss of capital when
       compared with the Public Offering Price of the Units when
       acquired. Distributions will generally be reduced by the amount
       of the income which would otherwise have been paid with respect
       to redeemed securities and there will be distributed to Holders
       any principal amount and premium received on such redemption
       after satisfying any redemption requests for Units received by
       the Fund. The estimated current return may be affected by
       redemptions.


                                     D - 7
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--REGISTERED TRADEMARK--

<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>
HAVE QUESTIONS ?                         CORPORATE INCOME FUND
Request the most recent free             INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES--48
Information Supplement                   (A Unit Investment Trust)
that gives more details about            ---------------------------------------
the Fund, by calling:                    This Prospectus does not contain
The Bank of New York                     complete information about the
1-800-221-7771                           investment company filed with the
                                         Securities and Exchange Commission in
                                         Washington, D.C. under the:
                                         - Securities Act of 1933 (file no.
                                         33-50241) and
                                         - Investment Company Act of 1940 (file
                                         no. 811-2295).
                                         TO OBTAIN COPIES AT PRESCRIBED RATES--
                                         WRITE: Public Reference Section of the
                                         Commission
                                         450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
                                         D.C. 20549-6009
                                         CALL: 1-800-SEC-0330.
                                         VISIT: http://www.sec.gov.
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         No person is authorized to give any
                                         information or representations about
                                         this Fund not contained in this
                                         Prospectus or the Information
                                         Supplement, and you should not rely on
                                         any other information.
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         When units of this Fund are no longer
                                         available, this Prospectus may be used
                                         as a preliminary prospectus for a
                                         future series, but some of the
                                         information in this Prospectus will be
                                         changed for that series.
                                         UNITS OF ANY FUTURE SERIES MAY NOT BE
                                         SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED
                                         UNTIL THAT SERIES HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE
                                         WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                         COMMISSION. NO UNITS CAN BE SOLD IN ANY
                                         STATE WHERE A SALE WOULD BE ILLEGAL.
                                                                     14685--3/00
</TABLE>



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