centavo etymology

Etymology

The word "centavo" comes from the Latin word "centum," which means "hundred." This term was originally used in medieval Spain to refer to a small coin worth one hundredth of a larger currency.

Meaning and Origin

In the Spanish-speaking world, "centavo" refers to a small coin or fractional currency unit. It is typically used as a subdivision of the larger monetary unit, such as the peso, euro, or dollar. The value of the centavo can vary depending on the country and monetary system.

For example:

  • In Mexico, a centavo is equal to one hundredth of a peso.
  • In Colombia, a centavo is equal to one hundredth of a Colombian peso.
  • In Spain, the centavo was discontinued in 2002 with the introduction of the euro.

In some countries, "centavo" may also be used to refer to a small amount of money in general, regardless of the currency. For instance, in Mexico, a "centavito" (diminutive of centavo) can be used to describe a very small amount of money, such as a few pesos.

centavo relate terms

  • hundred

    Etymology The word hundred comes from the Old English word hundrēd meaning group

  • peso

    Etymology Spanish peso Latin pensum payment Meaning and Origin The term peso o

  • pose

    Etymology The word pose has two etymological roots Old French poser to place arra

  • colon

    Etymology The word colon is derived from the Greek word kōlon meaning limb or s

  • earl

    Etymology Old English eorl Proto Germanic erlaz Proto Indo European h₂ers n

  • real

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words étymon meaning true meani

  • austral

    Etymology From Latin australis from auster south wind Meaning Southern rela

  • necessary

    Etymology Necessary from Latin necessarius meaning indispensable inevitable Mea

  • geometry

    Etymology The word geometry comes from the Ancient Greek word γεωμετρία ge

  • auditorium

    Etymology Latin auditorium Meaning listening place Origin The Latin word au

  • potential

    Etymology The term etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true meanin