kopek

Definition

A Russian monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a ruble.

Etymology

Borrowed from Russian копе́йка (kopéjka), from копьё (kopʹjó, “spear”) (from the image of a rider with a spear on the coins minted by Moscow after the capture of Novgorod in 1478). Doublet of kopeika, kopiyka, and kapeek.

Example Sentences

• "The Central Bank discontinued minting kopeks gradually. In 2012, the regulatory body stopped minting one-kopek and five-kopek coins. In 2018, the Central Bank stopped minting kopeks completely and now mints only ruble coins."