Leu

¹ American  

abbreviation

Biochemistry.

1. leucine.

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leu ² American  

[le-oo] / ˈlɛ ʊ /

Also ley

noun

plural

lei

1. a coin and monetary unit of Romania, equal to 100 bani. L.

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leu British  

/ ˈleɪuː /

noun

1. the standard monetary unit of Romania and Moldova, divided into 100 bani

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Etymology

Origin of leu

First recorded in 1875–80; from Romanian: literally, “lion”; based on Turkish arslanlι ( arslan “lion” + -lι adjective suffix), a name given to the Dutch rijksdaalder, which circulated in the later Ottoman Empire and bore the image of a lion ( lion ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

"Although consumer prices in Romania are largely sensitive to the exchange rate, it could soon allow the central bank to let leu depreciate slightly."

From Reuters

The Romanian leu was down 0.1% against the euro on the day.

From Reuters

I slipped my watch chain through my waistcoat buttonhole and straightened the fob, a Romanian silver leu whose details were worn to shadows.

From Literature

Economists say rising Romanian swap yields also signal central bank intervention to keep the leu stable.

From Reuters

Since its appearance in 1867, the Romanian leu has featured several unnamed female peasants but never a real historical figure.

From Reuters