denarius

[ dih-nair-ee-uhs ]

/ dɪˈnɛər i əs /

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noun, plural de·nar·i·i

[dih-nair-ee-ahy]. /dɪˈnɛər iˌaɪ/.

a silver coin and monetary unit of ancient Rome, first issued in the latter part of the 3rd century b.c., that fluctuated in value and sometimes appeared as a bronze coin.

a gold coin of ancient Rome equal to 25 silver denarii; aureus.

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Origin of denarius

First recorded in 1565–85; from Latin dēnārius, originally an adjective: “containing ten (asses)”; see origin at denary

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use denarius in a sentence

Three hundred Roman pence, or denarii, amount to about nine pounds seven shillings and sixpence sterling.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. II|Francis Augustus Cox
"Denarii dicti, quod denos ris valebant; quinarii, quod quinos" (Varro).
Narcissus|Unknown
Many a time the labourer's spade has clashed on a rusted spear-head, a broken urn, a handful of denarii.
In the West Country|Francis A. Knight
Three hundred pence or Roman denarii would be approximately equal in value to forty-five dollars.
Jesus the Christ|James Edward Talmage

Forged denarii of lead or brass formed the larger part of those found in the Thames.
Memorials of Old London|Various

British Dictionary definitions for denarius

denarius

/ (dɪˈnɛərɪəs) /

noun plural -narii (-ˈnɛərɪˌaɪ)

a silver coin of ancient Rome, often called a penny in translation

a gold coin worth 25 silver denarii

Word Origin for denarius

C16: from Latin: coin originally equal to ten asses, from dēnārius (adj) containing ten, from dēnī ten each, from decem ten

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012