Centime: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Derived from the French word 'cent' meaning 'hundred', highlighting its value as one hundredth of a bigger unit.
• The term has been used since the late 18th century, when decimal currency systems were introduced in Europe.

Cultural Significance

• In France, the centime was widely used until the euro was introduced, facilitating everyday transactions.
• The phrase 'a centime saved is a centime earned' reflects the importance of small savings in personal finance.

Currency Evolution

• Countries like Laos and Morocco have also minted coins named centime, demonstrating the diversity of currency systems worldwide.
• The introduction of the euro replaced the centime in many European countries, simplifying currency exchange and trade.

Pop Culture

• Centimes sometimes appear in movies depicting European life, especially in scenes involving markets or street vendors.
• In literature, centimes may symbolize thriftiness or the value of small choices in life.

Historical Context

• Centime coins were originally made of copper or bronze, reflecting the material value during the time of their circulation.
• During the revolt of the Paris Commune in 1871, centime coins were melted down to create weapons, showcasing their role beyond mere currency.

Ranking #37,748, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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