Coin
/kɔɪn/noun
A flat, usually round piece of metal used as money.
Did you know?The English word *coin* comes from Latin *cuneus* (“wedge”) through Old French *coigne/coin*, because early stamped pieces were linked to the idea of a wedge-shaped corner or die, showing how money was literally tied to the force of striking metal.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*keu-
“to swell, bend, or curve”
Latin
Latin
cuneus
“wedge”
Late Latin
Latin
cuneus / cōnīnum
“a die or stamp for minting”
Old French
Old French
coigne, coin
“wedge; corner; stamp, die”
Middle English
English
coin
“a piece of metal stamped for use as money”
Modern English
English
coin
“a flat piece of metal used as money”