mina

[ mahy-nuh ]

noun

, plural mi·nae [mahy, -nee], mi·nas.

1. an ancient unit of weight and value equal to the sixtieth part of a talent.

mina

/ ˈmaɪnə /

noun

1. an ancient unit of weight and money, used in Asia Minor, equal to one sixtieth of a talent

Word History and Origins

Origin of mina¹

1570–80; < Latin < Greek mnâ < Semitic; compare Hebrew māneh mina

Word History and Origins

Origin of mina¹

C16: via Latin from Greek mnā, of Semitic origin; related to Hebrew māneh mina

Example Sentences

Sumerian texts feature the earliest mentions of a weight unit, the mina, which tipped the scales at about 500 grams, or 18 ounces.

From New York Times

It grew out of a much older Sephardic tradition of Passover pies, or casseroles, called minas.

From Seattle Times

“If a man strike a gentleman’s daughter that she dies, his own daughter is to be put to death, if a poor man’s the slayer pays � mina.”

From Project Gutenberg

And so it came about that the mina contained fifty shekels instead of sixty, and the talent 3,000 shekels instead of 3,600.

From Project Gutenberg

The presents of the Libyans were graciously accepted by Cambyses, but the 500 minae which the Cyrenaeans sent, he threw with his own hand among the people because "it was too little."

From Project Gutenberg