denarius

< /dɪˈnɛər iˌaɪ/.

1. a silver coin and monetary unit of ancient Rome, first issued in the latter part of the 3rd century b.c., that fluctuated in value and sometimes appeared as a bronze coin.
2. a gold coin of ancient Rome equal to 25 silver denarii; aureus.

noun plural -narii (-ˈnɛərɪˌaɪ)

1. a silver coin of ancient Rome, often called a penny in translation
2. a gold coin worth 25 silver denarii

n.

ancient Roman silver coin, 1570s, from Latin denarius, noun use of adjective meaning “containing ten,” and short for denarius nummus “the coin containing ten (aces),” from deni- “by tens,” from decem “ten” (see ten).