Coin
Pronunciation
- IPA: /kɔɪn/
- Rhymes: -ɔɪn
- Homophones: quoin
Origin
From Old French coigne ("wedge, cornerstone, die for stamping"), from Latin cuneus ("wedge"). See also quoin ("cornerstone")
Full definition of coin
Noun
coin
(plural coins)- (money) A piece of currency, usually metallic and in the shape of a disc, but sometimes polygonal, or with a hole in the middle.
- 1883: Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island...the coins were of all countries and sizes - doubloons, and louis d'ors, and guineas, and pieces of eight...
- A token used in a special establishment like a casino (also called a chip).
- (figurative) That which serves for payment or recompense.
- HammondThe loss of present advantage to flesh and blood is repaid in a nobler coin.
- One of the suits of minor arcana in tarot, or a card of that suit.
- A quoin; a corner or external angle; a wedge.
Derived terms
Verb
- To make of a definite fineness, and convert into coins, as a mass of metal; to mint; to manufacture.to coin silver dollars; to coin a medal
- To make or fabricate; to invent; to originate.Over the last century the advance in science has led to many new words being coined.
- DrydenSome tale, some new pretense, he daily coined,
To soothe his sister and delude her mind. - To acquire rapidly, as money; to make.
- John LockeTenants cannot coin rent just at quarter day.