quinarius

American  

[kwi-nair-ee-uhs] / kwɪˈnɛər i əs /

noun

plural

quinarii

1. a denomination of ancient Roman coinage, issued in silver or gold at various times and undergoing many changes of value.

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Etymology

Origin of quinarius

1595–1605; < Latin quīnārius; see quinary

Example Sentences

Just as the Western miner reckons the quantity of water by the inch, the Roman estimated it by the quinarius, or amount that could flow through a pipe of one and a quarter finger diameter, under a head of twelve inches.

From Project Gutenberg