denarius

[ dih-nair-ee-uhs ]

noun

, plural de·nar·i·i [dih-, nair, -ee-ahy].

1. a silver coin and monetary unit of ancient Rome, first issued in the latter part of the 3rd century b.c., that fluctuated in value and sometimes appeared as a bronze coin.
2. a gold coin of ancient Rome equal to 25 silver denarii; aureus.

denarius

/ dɪˈnɛərɪəs /

noun

1. a silver coin of ancient Rome, often called a penny in translation
2. a gold coin worth 25 silver denarii

Word History and Origins

Origin of denarius¹

First recorded in 1565–85; from Latin dēnārius, originally an adjective: “containing ten (asses)”; denary

Word History and Origins

Origin of denarius¹

C16: from Latin: coin originally equal to ten asses, from dēnārius (adj) containing ten, from dēnī ten each, from decem ten

Example Sentences

Shall I see aught with your eyes, lady of my Sergian denarius?

From Project Gutenberg

So he next drew out of a case several copper coins, together with a silver denarius.

From Project Gutenberg

When you write Diis manibus over me, every denarius will belong to you and the heirs of your body forever.

From Project Gutenberg

In this way he more than once sunk what was in truth a fortune without a denarius of profit in return.

From Project Gutenberg

The few small finds included Samian of the late first and early second centuries (but no '29'), and a denarius of Trajan.

From Project Gutenberg