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ecu

noun (1)
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\ ˈā-ˌkyü How to pronounce ecu (audio) , ā-ˈkᵫ How to pronounce ecu (audio) \
plural ecus\ ˈä-​ˌkyüz How to pronounce ecu (audio) , ā-​ˈkᵫz \

Definition of ecu

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: any of various old French units of value also : a coin representing an ecu

ecu

noun (2), often capitalized E&C&U
\ ˌē-(ˌ)sē-ˈyü How to pronounce ecu (audio) \

Definition of ecu (Entry 2 of 2)

: a money of account based on the currency units of members of the European Union from 1979 up to the introduction of the euro in 1999

First Known Use of ecu

Noun (1)

circa 1593, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1970, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ecu

Noun (1)

Middle French, literally, shield, from Old French escu, from Latin scutum; from the device of a shield on the coin — more at esquire

Noun (2)

European Currency Unit (influenced by French écu ecu)

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Cite this Entry

“Ecu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecu. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

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