Kopek

Alternative forms

• copeck
• kopeck
• kopeyka

Origin

From Russian копейка, from копьё ("spear") (from the image of a rider with a spear on the coins minted by Moscow after the capture of Novgorod in 1478).

Full definition of kopek

Noun

1. A Russian monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a ruble.
2. Same as kopiyka, a Ukrainian monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a hryvnia.

Usage notes

Kopek is the favored spelling used by the Moscow Times, whereas some English dictionaries prefer kopeck.