currency

[kur-uhn-see, kuhr-]

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.

currency

/ 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

currency

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of currency¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of currency¹

C17: from Medieval Latin currentia, literally: a flowing, from Latin currere to run, flow

Example Sentences

With the yen still undervalued, Ueda’s comments about a potential rate hike were creating a desire by some investors to rebuild long positions in Japan’s currency, according to Tenengauzer.

Read more on MarketWatch

That’s when investors borrow money in Japanese Yen, which has lower interest rates than other currencies, before converting it into another currency to buy potentially high-yielding assets such as cryptocurrencies.

Read more on Barron's

Investor interest in precious metals has surged in recent months, driven in part by concerns over rising debt levels in major Western economies and fears of currency devaluation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It needs those dollars if it hopes to defend the currency when there are more sellers than buyers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Having the world’s reserve currency, however, isn’t the unbreakable shield many assume.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cash