denarius

[dih-nair-ee-uhs]

noun

plural

denarii 

1. 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.

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

denarius

/ dɪˈnɛərɪəs /

noun

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

2. a gold coin worth 25 silver denarii

Word History and Origins

Origin of denarius¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of denarius¹

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