denarius
Americannoun
plural
denarii-
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.
noun
-
a silver coin of ancient Rome, often called a penny in translation
-
a gold coin worth 25 silver denarii
Etymology
Origin of denarius
First recorded in 1565–85; from Latin dēnārius, originally an adjective: “containing ten (asses)”; see origin at denary
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I found two Roman brooches, then a Julius Caesar silver denarius dating from 46-47BC," he said.
From BBC • May 21, 2022
When Caesar Augustus minted the denarius coin, around 15 A.D., he did so with a decree that it be made almost entirely of silver.
From New York Times • Apr. 30, 2015
The denarius, after all, had a human face.
From The Guardian • May 22, 2012
In Augustus’s time, a silver coin called a denarius was in use throughout the empire.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012
The coin of Herennia Etruscilla is probably a base or plated denarius, the silver having been worn off.
From Notes and Queries, Number 33, June 15, 1850 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
