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

Asian currencies consolidated against the dollar in early trade but may be weighed by geopolitical risks.

From The Wall Street Journal

The currency has lost some 60% of its value against the dollar since the summer, driving inflation to new highs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The protests were triggered by anger over the rising cost of living, with the Iranian rial losing value again on Tuesday to reach another record low against foreign currencies.

From Barron's

Meanwhile, in currencies, diversification away from the U.S. dollar as a theme should gain further ground, and gold should be the main beneficiary, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six global currency peers, was down nearly 0.2%, to $98.26.

From Barron's

Related Words

• cash