currency

American  

[kur-uhn-see, kuhr-] / ˈkɜr ən si, ˈkʌr- /

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.

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currency British  

/ 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

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currency Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of currency

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

Example Sentences

Japan’s top currency diplomat Atsushi Mimura warned of “decisive action” against speculative moves driving the yen’s decline near 160 to the dollar.

From The Wall Street Journal

The perks include things like cash vouchers, priority entrance to universities and access to foreign currency at preferential rates or cheap loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

But his latest scheme is even more brazen: He will soon appear on American currency.

From Salon

From wars and revolutions to tech advances and trade, developments that play out on the global stage reverberate in the markets, affecting stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, and more.

From Barron's

It said the settlement would have amounted to a large chunk of its foreign currency reserves.

From Barron's

Related Words

• cash