mina: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareHistorical/Academic/Technical (Ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “mina” mean?
A unit of weight and currency used in ancient Greece and the Middle East.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of weight and currency used in ancient Greece and the Middle East.
In modern ornithology, refers to various birds of the starling family, especially the common myna, an adaptable, vocal Asian bird often kept in captivity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
For the bird, 'myna' is the standard spelling in both, but 'mina' is a less common variant. The ancient unit is spelled 'mina' in both.
Connotations
The bird spelling 'mina' may appear slightly old-fashioned or in older texts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. More likely encountered in historical/religious studies or specialised birdwatching contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mina” in a Sentence
[Subject: Person/Text] + mention/measure + in minas[Subject: Birdwatcher] + spotted a minaVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business. Historical context only.
Academic
Used in history, archaeology, religious studies (Biblical weights), and ornithology.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A birdwatcher might use 'myna'.
Technical
Ornithological texts may list 'mina' as a variant for certain species.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mina”
- Spelling the bird as 'minah' or 'meena'.
- Assuming it is a common modern word.
- Confusing the ancient weight with a modern 'mine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the bird, yes, 'mina' is a less common variant spelling of 'myna'. In all modern contexts, 'myna' is preferred.
It varied by time and place. Generally, a mina was a weight (c. 500-600g) and a monetary unit equal to 50 or 60 shekels.
It would be very unusual and likely misunderstood unless you are specifically discussing ancient history or using the old spelling for the bird.
It is exclusively a noun, referring either to an ancient unit or a type of bird.
A unit of weight and currency used in ancient Greece and the Middle East.
Mina is usually historical/academic/technical (ornithology) in register.
Mina: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not worth a mina (archaic, implying worthlessness)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MINE of silver weighed in MINAs, or a MYNA bird missing its 'Y'.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASURE OF VALUE (historical) / CHATTERING INTRUDER (bird, due to its vocal, invasive nature).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'mina' today?