aureus

noun

au·re·us ˈȯr-ē-əs

plural aurei

ˈȯr-ē-ˌī

: a gold coin of ancient Rome varying in weight from 1/30 to 1/70 libra

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, golden, from aurum gold; akin to Old Prussian ausis gold

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of aureus was in 1609

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

au reste

aureus

au revoir

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Aureus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aureus. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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