currency

[ kur-uhn-see, kuhr- ]

noun

plural currencies.

1. something that is used as a medium of exchange; money.
2. general acceptance; prevalence; vogue.
3. a time or period during which something is widely accepted and circulated.
4. the fact or quality of being widely accepted and circulated from person to person.
5. circulation, as of coin.

currency

/ ˈkʌrənsɪ /

noun

1. a metal or paper medium of exchange that is in current use in a particular country
2. general acceptance or circulation; prevalence

   the currency of ideas

3. the period of time during which something is valid, accepted, or in force
4. the act of being passed from person to person
5. (formerly) the local medium of exchange, esp in the colonies, as distinct from sterling
6. slang.
   1. (formerly) the native-born Australians, as distinct from the British immigrants
   2. ( as modifier )

      a currency lad

currency

1. Any form of money in actual use as a medium of exchange.

Word History and Origins

Origin of currency¹

From the Medieval Latin word currentia, dating back to 1650–60. See current, -ency

Word History and Origins

Origin of currency¹

C17: from Medieval Latin currentia, literally: a flowing, from Latin currere to run, flow

Example Sentences

People want to see themselves modeled in the images they proliferate because social media has taught them to use individualism as a currency to buy more attention.

From Salon

During this period, gold transactions would only be carried out in Ghana cedis, the local currency, and priced based on the Bank of Ghana rates.

From BBC

A string of now deleted posts on the House of Commons leader's account described the "$HCC" coin as "a community-driven digital currency bringing people's power to the blockchain".

From BBC

Nene was eventually replaced by then little-known David van Rooyen, leading to a run on the currency and national protests, before a new finance minister was appointed just days later.

From BBC

Tuition payments will be accepted in Bitcoin from autumn term this year, but these will initially be converted to UK pounds to "mitigate currency risk".

From BBC

Related Words

• cash