sestertium

noun

ses·​ter·​tium se-ˈstər-sh(ē-)əm How to pronounce sestertium (audio)
plural sestertia se-ˈstər-sh(ē-)ə How to pronounce sestertium (audio)
: a unit of value in ancient Rome equal to 1000 sesterces

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from genitive plural of sestertius (in the phrase milia sestertium thousands of sesterces)

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sestertium was in 1540

Dictionary Entries Near sestertium

Cite this Entry

“Sestertium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sestertium. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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