money cowry

noun

1. a tropical marine gastropod, Cypraea moneta
2. the shell of this mollusc, used as money in some parts of Africa and S Asia

Example Sentences

The money cowry is also used as ornaments on the trappings of horses and elephants, as well as on the persons of men and women.

From Project Gutenberg

In western Africa the money cowry (Cypraea moneta) has been and is now used as a medium of exchange in place of gold.

From Project Gutenberg

The first shell that Uncle Brown gave to Charley, was what is called a "money-cowry."

From Project Gutenberg