Where does “bimetallism” come from?
Bimetallism derives from English metal plus the Latin suffix -inus, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European dwóh₁ meaning two, referring to a monetary system using two metals.
bimetallism (English): The use of a monetary standard based upon two...
Definitions
- The use of a monetary standard based upon two...
Ancestry of “bimetallism”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | metallism | Any economic system based on the value of metals |
| 2 | English | metal | "Chemical elements or alloys, and the mines where... |
| 3 | French | métal | metal |
| 4 | German | metall | metal |
| 5 | Italian | metallo | metal |
| 6 | Spanish | metal | metal |
| 7 | Old Spanish | metal | metal |
| 8 | Old French | métal | metal material |
| 9 | Latin | metallum | metal; precious metals, especially gold or... |
| 10 | Ancient Greek | μέταλλον | A mine, quarry, or salt pit; metal |
| 11 | Ancient Greek | μέταλλευειν | to mine, quarry |