per centum

[ per sen-tuhm ]

noun

1. percent ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of per centum¹

1555–65; < Latin: literally, by the hundred

Example Sentences

On May 16, 1866, Congress authorized the creation of a new American coin: the five-cent piece composed of copper and “not exceeding twenty-five per centum of nickel.”

From Time

Section seventeen of the original charter provided that twenty-five per centum of the subsidy bonds should be retained by the government until the entire line of the road was completed.

From Project Gutenberg

The mortality in the unvaccinated is between 40 and 50 per centum.

From Project Gutenberg

It never paid us two per centum on its cost, and finally was sold by the trustee, Colonel Davis.

From Project Gutenberg

The amount granted is within the court’s discretion, but generally it is about twenty-five per centum of the husband’s income.

From Project Gutenberg