piaster

/piˈæstər/
noun
  1. A unit of money used in some countries, such as Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. One piaster is equal to one hundredth of a pound or a similar main currency unit.
    • The street vendor asked for five piasters for a fresh glass of juice.
    • She found an old coin worth one piaster in her grandmother's jewelry box.
    • The price of a bus ticket in Cairo is only a few piasters.
  2. A small coin or piece of money, especially one used in the past in various countries including Spain and its colonies.
    • He paid the merchant with a handful of copper piasters.
    • In the old pirate stories, treasure chests were often filled with gold piasters.
    • The museum displayed a collection of silver piasters from the 18th century.
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