circulating medium

American  

noun

1. any coin or note passing, without endorsement, as a medium of exchange.

2. such coins or notes collectively.

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circulating medium British  

noun

1. finance currency serving as a medium of exchange

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Etymology

Origin of circulating medium

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Taking it in connection with the combination of corporations, and Wall street brokers, the prospect of having coin as a circulating medium is but faint, if it is ever possible.

From Monopolies and the People by Cloud, D. C.

As gold becomes plenty, it will be employed for other uses, sauce-pans perhaps, as well as for the increase of the circulating medium.

From Dealings with the Dead, Volume I (of 2) by School, A Sexton of the Old

This became book or bank money, and the actually circulating medium was rated to it at a certain discount.

From The History of Currency, 1252 to 1896 by Shaw, William Arthur

His circulating medium was not strong enough to warrant the output, so he retired in disgrace.

From Bolanyo by Read, Opie Percival

Its establishment originated in the imperious obligation imposed on every government to furnish its people with a circulating medium for their commerce.

From The Works of Daniel Webster, Volume 1 by Webster, Daniel