bimetallism

American  

[bahy-met-l-iz-uhm] / baɪˈmɛt lˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the use of two metals, ordinarily gold and silver, at a fixed relative value, as the monetary standard.

2. the doctrine or policies supporting such a standard.

---

bimetallism British  

/ baɪˈmɛtəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the use of two metals, esp gold and silver, in fixed relative values as the standard of value and currency

2. the economic policies or doctrine supporting a bimetallic standard

---

Other Word Forms

• bimetallist noun
• bimetallistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of bimetallism

First recorded in 1875–80; bi- ¹ + metal + -ism

Example Sentences

This action ended bimetallism and placed the United States on the gold standard.

From Encyclopedia.com • Apr. 9, 2018

Although the President expressed hope of getting international action, every statesman knew that no important nation except the U. S. is willing even to consider bimetallism.

From Time Magazine Archive

That would be symmetallism, first cousin to bimetallism and would take the speculative element out of the U. S. silver hoard.

From Time Magazine Archive

Upholding the gold standard, the majority, or Roberts report, urged every nation that can do so to stick to gold, flayed proposals for bimetallism or a return to the silver standard.

From Time Magazine Archive

Regarded from the historical point of view it appears that the failure of separate countries to maintain the two metals in circulation was the cause which produced the idea of bimetallism as an international system.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 7 "Bible" to "Bisectrix" by Various