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.

---

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

---

currency Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of currency

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

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, a drumbeat of defections have given the party a dose of that elusive political currency: momentum.

From BBC

It expects adjusted earnings to be flat to up 5% on a constant currency basis.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the tight-knit fan community, our main currency was the trading of music trivia, bits of band lore and unreleased songs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Commodities provide psychological safety during times of high interest rates, inflation worries, currency concerns and/or geopolitical unrest, providing diversification and acting as a psychological safe place for some investors during volatile periods.

From MarketWatch

Precious metals have shattered records over the past year, supported by central-bank purchases and strong inflows into exchange-traded funds as investors moved away from sovereign bonds and currencies in favor of hard assets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cash