coin
coin
Pronunciation
coin (one syllable)
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive (similar to the "k" sound in "key")
/ɔɪ/ - near-close back rounded vowel-diphthong (similar to the "oi" sound in "boy")
/n/ - alveolar nasal (similar to the "n" sound in "name")
Word Form Variations
The word "coin" has several word form variations depending on how you're using it in a sentence. Here's a breakdown:
Noun:
Singular: coin
Plural: coins
Verb: (less common)
Present participle: coining
Past participle: coined
Past tense: coined (third-person singular can also be "coins")
There are no other common derivations of "coin" beyond these.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: A small, flat, and typically round piece of metal, issued by a government authority, that is used as legal tender.
Synonyms: currency (metal), specie (formal), piece (informal)
Antonyms: paper money, bill, note (referring to currency)
Definition 2: Metal money in general, as opposed to paper currency.
Synonyms: specie (formal)
Antonyms: paper money, bill, note (referring to currency)
Verb (less common):
Definition: To make or invent something, especially a word or phrase.
Synonyms: create, invent, originate, formulate
Antonyms: borrow, copy, imitate (referring to creating something new)
Examples of Use
Noun (Currency):
Books: "He rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a single silver coin." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
Newspapers: "The government announced a new commemorative coin celebrating the moon landing." (The New York Times)
Online Publications: "Many countries are considering phasing out low-denomination coins due to production costs." (BBC News)
Entertainment (Film): In the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean," Captain Jack Sparrow famously uses a gold coin to make a decision by flipping it.
Public Discourse: "I need to find a laundromat that takes coins, my debit card isn't working." (Everyday conversation)
Noun (Metal Money in General):
Books: "In the time before paper money, people used gold and silver coins for trade." (History textbook)
Newspapers: "The discovery of a shipwreck containing a treasure trove of ancient coins sent a wave of excitement through the archaeological community." (The Guardian)
Online Publications: "Coin collecting is a popular hobby for people of all ages." (Coin World)
Entertainment (Games): Many board games, like Monopoly, use tokens that are referred to as "coins."
Public Discourse: "The value of some rare coins can increase significantly over time." (Conversation among collectors)
Verb (Coining):
Books: "The author coined the phrase 'future shock' to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by rapid change." (Book about social trends)
Newspapers: "A new slang term, 'Yeet,' has been coined by teenagers and is quickly gaining popularity." (News article about internet culture)
Online Publications: "Scientists are constantly coining new terms to describe their discoveries." (Science magazine)
Entertainment (Music): Musicians often coin catchy phrases or nicknames for their bands or instruments.
Public Discourse: "The marketing team is coining a new slogan to promote the product." (Business meeting)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Coin
"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent." (Harvey Mackay)
"Peace and justice are two sides of the same coin." (Mahatma Gandhi)
"There are two sides to every coin. I happen to like the gold one." (Tommy Dorsey) (playful reference to both sides of an issue and the value of gold coins)
"Leadership is the other side of the coin of loneliness, and he who is a leader must always act alone." (Dag Hammarskjöld)
"Be open-minded so you can always see the other side of the coin." (Dalai Lama)
"Elimination of child labour and access to education are like two sides of one coin. One cannot be achieved without the other." (Kailash Satyarthi)
"Courtesy is the one coin that you can never have too much of or be stingy with." (George Herbert)
"Economic growth and environmental protection are not at odds. They are two sides of the same coin." (Ban Ki-moon)
"We can ask ourselves why we invent God, and then, ten minutes later, we invent Satan - why?" (William Burroughs) (figurative use referring to opposing concepts)
"All the perplexities, confusion and distress in America arise, not from defects in their Constitution or Confederation, not from want of honour or virtue, as much as from the downright ignorance of the nature of coin, credit and circulation." (Thomas Paine) (historical reference to the value and function of coins)
Etymology
The word "coin" actually comes from the shape of the tools used to make them! Back in the Roman Empire, they used wedge-shaped tools called "cuneus" (pronounced KYOO-nee-us) in Latin to stamp images onto flat pieces of metal. These stamped pieces of metal became the first coins.
Over time, the word "cuneus" travelled through different languages and got a bit muddled. In French, it became "coign" which could mean "wedge" or "corner," and eventually "coin" in English around the 14th century. It kept the meaning of something stamped, but instead of a general wedge shape, it specifically referred to stamped money.
So, even though coins are round, the word "coin" actually has its roots in a sharp, wedge-shaped tool!
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Coin
Common Phrases:
Flip a coin: To make a decision by randomly choosing heads or tails.
Mint condition: Describes something in perfect, original condition. (Refers to the process of making coins at a mint)
Pay your dues: To fulfill your obligations or responsibilities. (Figurative use referring to paying with coins)
Spend a penny: A polite way to say you need to use the restroom. (British idiom referencing public toilets that used to require a penny to enter)
Two cents worth: To offer your opinion, even if unsolicited. (Informal way of saying your opinion has some value)
Idioms:
A dime a dozen: Something that is very common and not special.
Cost a pretty penny: To be expensive.
Don't take any wooden nickels: Be cautious and avoid being cheated. (Refers to fake coins made of wood)
In the same coin: Similar or on the same level.
Not worth a dime: Something that is worthless or has no value.
On the other side of the coin: Considering the opposite viewpoint.
Turn on a dime: To change direction very quickly. (Informal way of describing agility)
Worth its weight in gold: Extremely valuable.
Posts Related to Coin
Source Information
Definition of coin from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
