drachma

Definition

The currency of Greece in ancient times and again from 1832 until 2001, with the symbol ₯, since replaced by the euro.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin drachma and its etymon Doric Greek δρᾰχμᾱ́ (drăkhmā́). Doublet of dram, diram, dirham, dirhem, adarme, and dam.

Example Sentences

• "'Who is he, and where does he come from?' said I, 'and what does he charge?' 'Evenus of Paros, Socrates,' said he, 'and his fee is 500 drachmae.' I felt that Evenus was to be congratulated if he really was a master of this art and taught it at such a moderate fee."
• "2008, Philip Matyszak, Ancient Athens on Five Drachmas a Day (title of the book)"