denarius

noun

de·​nar·​i·​us di-ˈner-ē-əs How to pronounce denarius (audio)
plural denarii di-ˈner-ē-ˌī How to pronounce denarius (audio)
-ē-ˌē
1
: a small silver coin of ancient Rome
2
: a gold coin of the Roman Empire equivalent to 25 denarii

Illustration of denarius

Illustration of denarius
  • denarius of Julius Caesar
  • 44 b.c.

Examples of denarius in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 2021, archaeologists digging in Augsburg, Germany, discovered a huge collection of over 5,500 Roman denarius coins. Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024 Silver denarius coins are rare, but researchers have discovered several examples of them in different parts of the world in recent years. Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024 But the analysis of coins from 250 to 350 CE showed declining percentages of silver because the Roman mints gradually debased the denarius to increase their profits. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 11 Apr. 2024 The Roman silver denarius was the backbone currency of the Roman Empire between 200 BCE and 300 CE. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 11 Apr. 2024 The Roman Empire famously experienced hyperinflation after a series of emperors lowered the silver content in their currency, the denarius, in an attempt to bolster state funds. Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2023 Upon closer inspection and excavation, researchers determined that the find included 175 silver Roman denarii coins. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 1 May 2023 During that time, 175 denarii would have been a soldier’s salary for about a year and a half, Alderighi said. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 1 May 2023 Rome famously experienced hyperinflation after a series of Emperors lowered the silver content of their currency, the denarius. Will Daniel, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'denarius.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin — more at denier

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of denarius was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near denarius

Cite this Entry

“Denarius.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denarius. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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