standard dollar

noun

1. the basic monetary unit of the U.S., since January 31, 1934, containing 15.2 grains of gold, 0.900 fine: previously contained 25.8 grains of gold, 0.900 fine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of standard dollar¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

The lawsuit says Williams is seeking more than $50,000 for each count, a standard dollar amount that must be listed in Minnesota if a plaintiff intends to seek anything above that figure.

From Seattle Times

I think about it when I'm offered a freelance writing rate that's the same — or often significantly less — than the standard dollar a word that was considered the baseline when I started out 20 years ago.

From Salon

The chain retrenched to its standard Dollar Menu by year-end, taking advertising away from Extra Value.

From Chicago Tribune

That weight is multiplied by a hospital-specific rate called a Standard Dollar Amount, or S.D.A., which is determined by the state’s Health and Human Services Commission.

From New York Times

Shanghai buzzed with rumors that President Roosevelt's upping of the price of silver was about to force Chiang and Kung to take China's standard dollar off its white metal base.

From Time Magazine Archive