Cent

Definition

Cent is a noun that refers to a monetary unit equal to one-hundredth of the basic currency unit in many countries, including the U.S. dollar, the euro, and others. It is often represented by the symbol "¢".

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɛnt/
• Respelling: sent

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɛnt/
• Respelling: sent

Etymology

The word "cent" originates from the Latin "centum," meaning "hundred." It entered English through Old French and Middle English, symbolizing one-hundredth, and was adopted as a monetary unit in the 18th century with the U.S. dollar system.

Derivatives

• Cents (plural noun)
• Centavo (noun)
• Percent (noun)
• Centime (noun)
• Centenary (noun)

Synonyms

• Penny
• Coin
• Currency unit

Antonyms

• Dollar
• Euro
• Pound

Usage

The noun "cent" is commonly used to denote a unit of currency, as in "The item costs fifty cents." It is often used with symbols (¢) or decimal notation, especially in the context of U.S. and other currency systems.

Related Terms

• Dollar: The basic unit of currency in several countries, often subdivided into cents.
• Nickel: A coin worth five cents in the U.S. currency system.
• Penny: A coin worth one cent in U.S. and some other English-speaking countries' currency systems.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A monetary unit equal to one-hundredth of the main currency unit: Refers to a subdivision of currency in systems like the dollar or euro, representing one-hundredth of the main unit.
  • Example: "He found a cent on the sidewalk."
• A coin representing this monetary unit: Specifically refers to the physical coin worth one-hundredth of the main currency.
  • Example: "She put two cents into the vending machine."